~Governor's office extends application deadline~

Saint Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that applications are being accepted for the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission.  This Commission, created by the 2005 Legislature (Laws of Minnesota 2005, 1st Special Session, Chapter 1, Article 4, Section 121), will plan for activities relating to Minnesota's 150th anniversary of statehood, which is May 11, 2008.  The Commission will create a plan for capital improvements, celebratory activities, public engagement, and seek funding to carry out these activities in every county in the State of Minnesota.

The Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission consists of 17 members, including nine appointed by the Governor representing major corporate, non-profit, and public sectors of the state, selected from all parts of the state.  The remaining eight members of the Commission are appointed by the Legislature.  The Minnesota Historical Society will provide staff support to the Commission.

The Governor-appointed positions will be published by the Secretary of State's office today.  Anyone interested in applying for the Governor-appointed positions 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, has been extended to Tuesday, October  25, 2005 at 4:30 p.m.

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