Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that applications are being accepted for the District 5 seat on the Metropolitan Council. The vacancy occurred as a result of the resignation of Russell H. Susag on March 12, 2008. District 5 includes the Hennepin County cities of Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield and the unorganized territory of Fort Snelling.

The Secretary of State’s office published this vacancy on Monday, April 7, 2008. 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 résumé to their application. The deadline for receipt of all application materials, including any letters of recommendation submitted on behalf of applicants, is Tuesday, April 29, 2007 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:

Mike Burton, Minnetonka
Dave Clark, Blaine, Blaine City Council
Song Lo Fawcett, St. Paul
Cyndee Fields, Eagan, Eagan City Council
Paul Gaston, Vadnais Heights, Vadnais Heights City Council
Mark Schiffman, Waconia, Mayor of Waconia
Maureen Shaver, Deephaven

The public hearing will be on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Bloomington City Council Chambers of Bloomington City Hall, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road. Applicants will receive details on the format of the public hearing prior to the hearing.

Questions concerning the appointments process should be directed to John Hultquist, Director of Judicial, Board and Commission Appointments, 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.