[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board on Judicial Standards, the Public Employment Relations Board, the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, the Minnesota Racing Commission, and the Plumbing Board.

Louise Dovre Bjorkman – St. Paul, MN

Board on Judicial Standards

Court of Appeals Judge

Effective: March 1, 2021

Term Expires: January 6, 2025

Reappointment

Scott Sakaguchi – Edina, MN

Board on Judicial Standards

Public Member

Effective: March 1, 2021

Term Expires: January 6, 2025

Replacing: Gerald Kaplan

About the Board on Judicial Standards:

The Board on Judicial Standards investigates allegations of misconduct by Minnesota judges and other judicial officers and recommends judicial discipline to the Supreme Court, including censure, suspension, retirement, or removal of judges. The Board also educates the judiciary and the public on the role of the Board on Judicial Standards and on the Code of Judicial Conduct.

Additional information about the Board on Judicial Standards can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Richard Kaspari – Minneapolis, MN

Public Employment Relations Board

Alternate Representative of Public Employees

Effective: March 1, 2021

Term Expires: January 3, 2022

Replacing: Paula Johnston

About the Public Employment Relations Board:

The Public Employment Relations Board investigates, hears, and resolves unfair labor practice charges and complaints.

Additional information about the Public Employment Relations Board can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Brooke Blakey – Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission

Peace Officer

Effective: March 1, 2021

Term Expires: January 2, 2023

Replacing: Salim Omari

About the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission:

The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission establishes the sentencing guidelines that district courts apply at felony sentencing hearings, conducts related research and analysis, shares information, and advises the Legislature.

Additional information about the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission can be found on the Secretary of State’s website .

Raymond Dehn – Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota Racing Commission

Member

Effective: March 1, 2021

Term Expires: June 30, 2021

Replacing: Jerry Bell

About the Minnesota Racing Commission:

The Minnesota Racing Commission is responsible for ensuring the integrity of horse racing and protecting the safety of the equine and human athletes in the sport while at the same time promoting the agricultural industry in Minnesota.

Additional information about the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Michael Dryke – Duluth, MN

Plumbing Board

Non-Metro Commercial/Industrial Plumbing Contractor

Effective: March 1, 2021

Term Expires: December 31, 2023

Reappointment

Shane Willis – Robbinsdale, MN

Plumbing Board

Public Member

Effective: March 1, 2021

Term Expires: December 31, 2022

Replacing: Phillip Sterner

About the Plumbing Board:

The Plumbing Board adopts and amends the plumbing code and rules that regulate the licensing and registration of plumbing-related professions. It also issues final code interpretations and regulates continuing education requirements for licensees.

Additional information about the Plumbing Board can be found on the Secretary of State’s website .