Governor Tim Pawlenty announced the appointment of Steven A. Anderson to the Seventh Judicial District judgeship on Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Princeton Municipal Airport.

Anderson is the managing partner in the Princeton branch of the Minneapolis-based law firm Anderson, Dove, Fretland and Van Valkenburg. He has also served as the attorney for the cities of Milaca and Princeton as well as the criminal prosecution attorney for Onamia and Foreston.

Anderson was one of three finalists - the other two being Daniel A. Benson and Frederick L. Grunke, both of St. Cloud. He is expected to begin his new position in mid-February.

The governor flew into Princeton Municipal Airport shortly after noon for a brief press conference to announce Andersonís judgeship.

Pawlenty said of Anderson, "Weíre excited to have someone of this caliber willing to serve."

The governor said judicial temperament is important to ensure everyone who comes before the court is treated in a fair manner.

Pawlenty said Anderson was up front in his interview when he stated, "Iím from this area, I love it here, I want to stay here."

Minnesota Supreme Court Judge G. Barry Anderson was also on hand for the announcement.

The Andersons were partners for many years as well as classmates.

Michael Jesse of Mille Lacs County requested a transfer to Benton County, thereby creating the vacancy in Mille Lacs County.

One of the challenges facing Anderson is the backlog of cases in Mille Lacs County.

Anderson said he wants to work with the county attorney and defenders offices as well as court administration to process cases more efficiently.

Another concern is the meth issue in the county. Anderson feels the county has a good drug task force in place - the North Central Drug Task Force, which covers both Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties.

Pawlenty said meth is a major scourge and the state has worked to increase sentence time for offenders, create new initiatives for treatment and implemented the law that pseudoephedrine (an ingredient in meth) must now be kept behind the counter at pharmacies.

Pawlenty noted that while the number of meth labs have decreased, meth use has not.

"We have to be more effective on the supply side," the governor stated.

The judge

Anderson had family and friends on hand for the announcement, including his wife Karen and his father Richard.

The 51-year-old judge was born in Minneapolis, but lives in Princeton with his wife. They have two grown children - Christopher and Mark.

Anderson is a 1975 graduate of the University of Minnesota.

After earning his juris doctorate degree cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1979, Anderson began practicing law.

He is a member of the Minnesota Bar Association and has served on its real estate, probate and public law sections. He is also a member of the Mille Lacs County Bar Association and has served as president.

He has also served on the Mille Lacs County Community Justice Circle, the Princeton Kinship Mentoring Partners, the Princeton Lions Club, the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, and has been an adult leader and committee member with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

"I think itís important to have someone in this position who has a heart for people and who cares," Governor Pawlenty said.

"Steve has a diverse background practicing civil and criminal law with a combination of jury trials as well as court trials, which is what he will handle as a judge in Mille Lacs County," the governor added. "He has been a respected member of the community for over 20 years, and will serve the citizens with distinction as a judge."

"Iím very pleased. I think itíll be very exciting," Anderson said of his new role. "Iím glad I can do this here. It was just such a unique opportunity for me."

The new judge was modest and said of his appointment, "Iíll try to live up to all these nice things everyone said."

New judgeships

The Legislature added two judgeships in the Seventh Judicial District. The Minnesota Supreme Court decides where the judges will be chambered and they decided on Clay and Stearns counties.

Judge Thomas Knapp of Benton asked to be transferred to Stearns County and Judge

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Mille Lacs County Times
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