Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that he has appointed the following metropolitan citizens to serve on the Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee:

Dave Clark, Chair, Blaine, Blaine City Council Sherry Broecker,
Forest Lake Mike Burton, Minnetonka
Song Lo Fawcett, St. Paul
Cyndee Fields, Eagan, Eagan City Council
Paul Gaston, Vadnais Heights, Vadnais Heights City Council
Mark Schiffman, Waconia, Waconia Mayor

The Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee recommends candidates for the Metropolitan Council to the Governor. The terms of all 16 members of the Metropolitan Council expired in January 2007. These openings, which are geographically-based, were published by the Secretary of State’s office on October 15, 2006. Although the posted application deadline was November 28, 2006, applications submitted to the Secretary of State’s office by March 13, 2007 will be provided to the Nominating Committee in advance of the public hearing for their consideration. Applications may be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.state.mn.us. Applicants are asked to attach a current résumé to their application. For a map of the metropolitan council districts, go to the website, http://www.metrocouncil.org/about/district_maps.htm.

The Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee will hold a public hearing to accept statements from, or on behalf of, applicants for the Metropolitan Council. The public hearing will be conducted on Thursday, March 29, 2007, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Metropolitan Council chambers, located at 390 North Robert Street in St. Paul.

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.