Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Polly Peterson Bowles to 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.

Bowles, of Edina, is a stay-at-home mother and a community volunteer. She was an attorney who practiced law with the Faegre and Benson law firm in Minneapolis from 1986 to 1992, and with the Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher law firm in Los Angeles, California from 1985 to 1986. Bowles earned her law degree cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1985, and her bachelor of arts degree cum laude from the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts in 1981. She is a graduate of Edina-East High School.

Bowles previously served on the Metropolitan Council from 1991 to 1993, during which time she was vice-chair. She has also served on the State Advisory Council on Metropolitan Governance, Minnesota Compensation Council, Christ Presbyterian Church Steering/Building Committee, Family Hope Services/TreeHouse Board of Directors, Minneapolis Fire Department public relations, has been a Sunday School teacher and was president of the PTA. Bowles, 49, resides in Edina with her husband, Dan, and their four children.

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.