Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that he has accepted three finalists recommended to him by the Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee for an unscheduled vacancy on the Metropolitan Council in District 5. The vacancy occurred as a result of the resignation of Russell H. Susag. District 5 includes the Hennepin County cities of Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield, and the unorganized territory of Fort Snelling.

Ten people applied for this position. The finalists are Polly Peterson Bowles, John E. Lonsbury, and James N. Lucas.

Bowles, of Edina, is a stay-at-home mother and a community volunteer. Previously, she was an attorney who practiced law with Faegre and Benson. Bowles served on the Metropolitan Council in the early 1990s, during which time she was vice-chair; and was a member of the State Advisory Council on Metropolitan Governance.

Lonsbury, of Edina, is founder and president of Customer-Facing Media Company, and has a professional background in business, marketing and sales consulting. He has been a member of the Edina Planning Commission for 11 years, currently serving as chair; chairs the Edina Comprehensive Plan Task Force; and was previously vice chair of the Edina Human Relations Commission.

Lucas, of Bloomington, is the founder and owner of Benefits Plus, LLC. He has also been a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, and previously with Connecticut Mutual. Lucas is a member of the Bloomington Planning Commission as well as the Bloomington Charter Commission, and has held leadership positions with the Bloomington Rotary and Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.

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 seventeen members are appointed by the Governor to four-year terms that are co-terminus with the Governor.