Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that applications are being accepted for the District 15 seat on the Metropolitan Council.  The vacancy will occur on December 31, 2004 as a result of the resignation of Tom Egan.  Egan was elected to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners on November 2.  District 15 includes the Dakota County cities of Burnsville, Inver Grove Heights, South St. Paul and the northern portion of Eagan, north of Cliff Road/County Road 32.

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, December 28, 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 and mayor-elect

The public hearing will be conducted on Wednesday, January 19, 2005, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Eagan City Hall, 3830 Pilot Knob Road.  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.