Appointed/Elected:

Appointed on Nov. 25, 1997 by Governor Arne Carlson. Elected in 2000, 2006, and 2012. Retired on Nov. 30, 2018. Appointed and assigned to serve statewide as Senior Judge from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025.

Education:

J.D., William Mitchell College of Law, 1974
B.S., Sociology and Political Science, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 1970

Employment:

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

• Commissioner, 1995-1997
• Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner, 1991-1995

Attorney- Private Practice, 1987-1991

Mayor- City of Maplewood, 1990-1997

Maplewood City Council, 1980-1990

Director, Minnesota School Labor-Management Project, Bureau of Mediation Services, 1985-1987

Caucus Research Staff, Minnesota State Senate, 1974-1985

Research Analyst, Minnesota Taxpayers Association, 1970-1974

Community and Professional Activities:

Criminal Defense Services Board Director, 1999-present

Hmong Council of 18 Advisory Board, 2005-present

Minnesota State Bar Association Audit Committee Chair, 2006-present

Ramsey County Bar Association Board, 2008-2011

Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative Board Co-Chair, 2006-2009

Violence Coordinating Council, Second Judicial District, 1999-present

Suburban School Collaborative Honorary Board Member, 2008-present

SOBER Foundation Board member, 2011-present

Hmong Circle of Peace Restorative Justice member, 1999-2004

Co-Host, Community Cable Program, 2006-present

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Metro Judge of Year, 2012

Additional Information:

Criminal Division, 1997-2002 and 2009-Nov. 30, 2018

DWI Court Judge, 2010-2011

Juvenile Drug Court Judge, 2005-2009

Special Courts Division, 2004-2009 (Presiding Judge, 2006-2009)

Civil Division, 2002-2004

Judge Bastian has lived in suburban Ramsey County since 1974. He paints in watercolor medium and sculpts in bronze and donates annually to various silent auction fundraisers, including the Ramsey County Bar Foundation.