Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that applications are being accepted for the District 10 seat on the Metropolitan Council. The vacancy occurred as a result of the resignation of Marcel Eibensteiner on February 3, 2004.

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.

Persons interested in applying for this position must complete an Open Appointments Application. 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 résumé to their application. The deadline for receipt of all application materials, including any letters of recommendation submitted on behalf of applicants, is Tuesday, March 23, 2004 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 persons to serve on the Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee:

William 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

John Pacheco, Minneapolis

Mark Schiffman, Waconia, Waconia City Council

The public hearing will be conducted on Wednesday, April 7, 2004, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Shoreview City Hall, 4600 North Victoria Street. Applicants will receive details prior to the hearing.

Questions concerning the appointments process should be directed to John Hultquist, Open Appointments Coordinator for Governor Pawlenty, 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.