Two finalists, one from Scott County and the other from Carver County, are in line to be chosen to represent the two counties on the Metropolitan Council, Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced on Friday.
It's a particularly big issue for officials on the Scott County side, which has been represented for decades by people from the other side of the river and want one of their own for once.
Lee Bernick, of Savage, and Craig Peterson, of Chanhassen, were recommended by Pawlenty's nominating committee.
Bernick is a Realtor who works for ReMax Advantage Plus. He was a member of the City Council in Savage from 2000 to 2004.
Peterson is with Marathon Enterprises, Inc., which consults in real estate and management for smaller companies. He has been on the Chanhassen City Council since 2000. He also is chairman of the Southwest Transit Commission.
Seventeen applicants began the process, with 12 making pitches in the end to the nominating committee, the governor's office said.
DAVID PETERSON
