ST. PAUL, MN – The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today it is recommending three candidates to Governor Mark Dayton for consideration to fill the current vacancy in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District. This vacancy will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable Steven A. Anderson, and will be chambered at Milaca in Mille Lacs County.
Harry Burns: Mr. Burns is an attorney, owner, mediator and arbitrator at Burns Law Office, where he has a general practice, with extensive experience in civil, criminal, probate, and family law matters. Additionally, he has served as a contract Seventh Judicial District Assistant Public Defender. Previously, he was a clerk and legislative aide at the Minnesota State Senate and a law clerk at Roedler, Bellows & Hughes. Mr. Burns is a board member of the Pearl Lake Association, a Certified Youth Firearms Safety Instructor, Certified Snowmobile Safety Instructor, and Trustee and Past President of St. Cloud Eagles Aerie #622.
Mark Herzing: Mr. Herzing is an Assistant Mille Lacs County Attorney, where he works on wide range of the county’s criminal and civil matters. Previously, he was a teacher for the Cambridge-Isanti School District and a teacher and coach for the Milaca School District. Mr. Herzing has volunteered with the St. Cloud VA Health Care System, Mille Lacs County Operation Community Connect Milaca Area Event, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, I.S.D. #912 School Board, and the MSBA Mock Trial Program. Currently, he is a volunteer with the Mille Lacs County Agricultural Society, and the St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery.
Karl Schmidt: Mr. Schmidt serves as a Senior Assistant Benton County Attorney, where he prosecutes felonies and handles all of the extradition, fugitive from justice, and Interstate Compact cases. He previously worked as Interim Benton County Attorney, Assistant Benton County Attorney, Assistant Seventh Judicial District Public Defender, and law clerk to the Hon. Bruce W. Christopherson. Mr. Schmidt is a volunteer with Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity, a former member of the Benton County Family Violence and Sexual Assault Council, and recently served on a task force addressing sex trafficking and sexually exploited youth.
Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District consists of Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd, and Wadena Counties.
An announcement of the appointment will be made following an interview process over the next few weeks.
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