As an assistant Minnesota attorney general, part of Gunnar Johnson's responsibilities include working with Iron Range Resources and navigating conflicts between Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Rep. Tom Rukavina.
Duluth Mayor Don Ness cited Johnson's ability to handle that kind of conflict as one of the reasons he tapped him to serve as the next city attorney.
"He was able to serve both clients well, and he's been able to do that because of his skills and approach to the job," he said.
Johnson beat out 12 total applicants and two other finalists for the job who already work for the city. The other finalists were Alison Lutterman, deputy city attorney; and Lisa Wilson, assistant city attorney for the civil division.
Ness praised the internal candidates as highly qualified, but said Johnson's experience on contracts, economic development and civil litigation and passion for public service stood him apart.
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"What I recognize in Gunnar is his ability to articulate a vision for where he wanted to lead a department," Ness said. "He demonstrated a real strength in managing people, in working with diverse personalities and a strong sense of teamwork."
Johnson, 40, who earned his bachelor of science degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1990 and a law degree from American University in Washington, D.C., in 1994, has known Ness for several years.
In 2000, the two founded the Bridge Syndicate, a group of young people who worked to increase cultural and economic opportunities in the Twin Ports.
Ness said their work together wasn't a factor in his decision.
"I had the opportunity to work closely with all three finalists, and it was helpful in understanding what they brought to the table in terms of what their strengths were," he said.
Johnson has worked in the state attorney's office since 2001 in the Public Finance/Natural Resources Division, providing transactional and in-house counsel to Iron Range Resources and its board, according to the city.
Before that, he worked at the Clure Eaton Butler law firm in Duluth, practicing commercial litigation, municipal and property law, employment law, corporate and environmental law and civil litigation.
Johnson declined comment Wednesday, saying he wanted to wait until today before addressing the media.
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A 14-person committee that included three citycouncilors, the deputy fire chief, the police chief, a private attorney and a former city attorney interviewed all three candidates. Committee member and City Councilor Roger Reinert said all three interviewed well, but Johnson was the "consensus pick."
He said, however, that it wasn't a knock on the two city attorneys.
"There was a feeling that any one of them could have done the job," he said.
Another committee member, City Councilor Todd Fedora, also praised the three candidates.
"It had to be a tough decision for the mayor," he said.
Johnson's hiring will first have to be approved by the City Council tonight. If that happens, he would take over for retiring City Attorney Bryan Brown on July 16.
