Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Edward Butterfass, Mark Hughes, Kenneth Rodgers, David Sams, Joani Werner and Kathleen Wingen to the Council on Disability.

Edward Butterfass, of Watkins, is appointed to the Council for a term which ends January 1, 2007. He is a resident of Region 6 and fills the Council seat formerly held by Eugene Hippe.

Mark Hughes, of Shoreview, is appointed to the Council for a term which ends January 1, 2007. He is a resident of Region 11 and is reappointed to a second term on the Council.

Kenneth Rodgers, of Minneapolis, is appointed to the Council for a term which ends January 1, 2007. He is a resident of Region 11 and fills the Council seat formerly held by Edward Nelson.

Rev. David Sams, of Redwood Falls, is appointed to the Council for a term which ends January 1, 2007. He is a resident of Region 8 and is reappointed to a second term on the Council.

Joani Werner, of Arden Hills, is appointed to the Council for a term which ends January 1, 2007. She is a resident of Region 11 and fills the Council seat formerly held by Rachel Wilcox.

Kathleen Wingen, of St. Cloud, is appointed to the Council for a term which ends January 2, 2006. She is a resident of Region 7 and fills the Council seat formerly held by Gregory Schlosser.

The Council on Disability advises the Governor and Legislature on issues, policies, and programs related to persons with disabilities. The Council also promotes coordinated interagency efforts and provides information and referrals to persons with disabilities. The Council is made up of 21 public members appointed by the Governor as well as additional members from various state agencies.