CARVER COUNTY NEWS RELEASE  -- As a result of Michael Fahey’s appointment as a Judge in the First Judicial District, Carver County has been in the process of seeking a candidate to fill his unexpired, elected term that runs through December 31, 2010.

There are two final candidates who will present information and respond to interview questions at a County Board meeting on August 21, 2007 beginning at 1:00 PM with the second candidate presenting at 2:15 PM. The Board will start the meeting at 12:30 to discuss the process.

James Keeler, Jr. is currently an Assistant County Attorney in Hennepin County where he has served since 1996. In that role he has worked in the Juvenile Prosecution, Adult Prosecution and Child Protection Divisions.

Prior to that, Keeler worked as an Assistant County Attorney in Carver County for about six years where he most recently served as the Criminal Division Head in that Office.

Before working in Carver County he also worked as an attorney for Sherburne County, the City of Mankato and a private firm.

Keeler holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota with majors in Political Science and Journalism and a Juris Doctorate from William Mitchell College of Law.

Jim is a long-time resident of Carver County. He and his family have a home in Chanhassen.

Thomas Harbinson is currently working as a Senior Attorney with The National District Attorneys Association where his duties include teaching trial advocacy skills to police officers, attorneys and child protection workers across the country.

Prior to his current role, Harbinson served two terms as the elected County Attorney in

Scott County. Prior to his election, he served as the Chief Deputy Attorney in Scott County for eight years and as a law clerk for the Honorable Judge Thomas R. Howe.

Harbinson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Psychology from Macalester College and a Juris Doctorate from William Mitchell College of Law. He is currently living in Winona, but would plan to move to Carver County if appointed.

The community is invited to submit potential interview questions to Doris Krogman, Employee Relations Director via e-mail at dkrogman@co.carver.mn.us or by telephone at

952-361-1570 before August 20.

Following the interview, the County Board of Commissioners will provide direction on the next steps in the process. It is anticipated that the start date of the County Attorney will be mid September to mid October.