Saint Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that applications are being accepted for the District 10 seat on the Metropolitan Council.  The vacancy will occur as a result of the resignation of Mary Krinkie, who has been a member of the Metropolitan Council since July 2004.  Krinkie's resignation is effective on May 9, 2005. 

"I want to thank Mary for the thoughtfulness with which she approached the issues that came before the Metropolitan Council during her tenure on the council," Governor Pawlenty said.

District 10 includes the Anoka County cities of Blaine, Circle Pines and Lexington, and the Ramsey County cities of Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, and Shoreview, and the portion of Spring Lake Park that lies in Ramsey County.

Although this vacancy will be published by the Secretary of State's office on June 6, 2005, persons may apply prior to then.  Anyone interested in applying for this position must complete an Open Appointments Application Form.  Application forms may be downloaded from the Secretary of State's office from their website, www.sos.state.mn.us, or by calling 651-297-5845.  Applicants are asked to attach a current resume to their application.  The deadline for receipt of all application materials, including any letters of recommendation submitted on behalf of applicants, is Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 4:30 p.m.

A seven-member Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee, which recommends candidates for the Metropolitan Council to the Governor, will host a public hearing to accept statements from, or on behalf of, applicants for this position.

Governor Pawlenty has designated the following citizens to serve on the Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee:

                        Bill Pulkrabek, Chair, Oakdale, Washington County Commissioner

                        Sherry Broecker, Forest Lake

                        Mike Burton, Minnetonka

                        Dave Clark, Blaine, Blaine City Council

                        Cyndee Fields, Eagan, Eagan City Council

                        Paul Gaston, Vadnais Heights, Vadnais Heights City Council

                        Mark Schiffman, Waconia, Mayor of Waconia

The public hearing will be conducted on Monday, July 11, 2005, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Blaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Drive Northeast.  Applicants will receive details on the format of the hearing prior to the hearing.

Questions concerning the appointments process should be directed to John Hultquist, Open Appointments Coordinator, at 651-296-0019 or john.hultquist@state.mn.us. 

The Metropolitan Council coordinates planning and development in the seven county metropolitan area and directly operates several regional services.  The Metropolitan Council consists of 16 metropolitan citizens appointed from geographically defined districts in the seven county metropolitan area and a chair.  All 17 members are appointed by the Governor to four-year terms that are co-terminus with the Governor.