After interviewing five candidates running for Mike Freiberg’s open seat, the Golden Valley City Council agreed that Steve Schmidgall would be the best fit. Schmidgall currently serves on the city’s Planning Commission.  

Mayor Shep Harris announced the appointment of Schmidgall this week, but noted that his term won’t begin until he’s sworn in on Jan. 2.

Twenty people applied to fill the vacant Golden Valley City Council seat left by current councilmember Mike Freiberg, who was elected to serve as State Representative for District 45B.

Larry Fonnest, Planning Commissioner John Kluchka, Brad Kadue and Rich Baker were also interviewed.