Dayton names heads of commerce, revenue departments

Gov. Mark Dayton has made two Minneapolis lawyers his latest cabinet appointments.

Dayton announced Wednesday the selection of Mike Rothman as commerce commissioner and Myron Frans as revenue commissioner. Rothman comes from the Winthrop & Weinstine firm, while Frans was most recently with Faegre & Benson.

In a news release, Dayton said Rothman brings a distinguished record of consumer protection to the Commerce Department. Rothman said he was honored by the appointment.

"I will look forward actually to taking care of consumer rights, and working with businesses in creating economic opportunities in a responsible manner," said Rothman. "It's a fun opportunity to get the chance to do it, and I'm looking forward to it."

Myron Frans has nearly three decades of tax law experience as well as strong managerial expertise, according to the governor's announcement.

Frans said he looks forward to working with Dayton to make Minnesota's tax system more fair.

"As the governor said in his inauguration, it's important that everyone pay their fair share," said Frans. "I look forward to being a part of supporting the Revenue Department, and enforcing the revenue laws and making them fair and transparent."

Frans will not join Dayton's administration full time until April, because he needs to wrap up his responsibilities as president of Leeds Precision Instruments in Golden Valley. He as managed the local manufacturing and distributing company since the fall of 2009.

Deputy Commissioner Dan Salamone will continue to lead the department until Frans' arrival.