Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that applications are being accepted for the District 3 seat on the Metropolitan Council. The vacancy will occur with the resignation of Mary Hill Smith on December 31, 2008. District 3 includes the Hennepin County cities of Deephaven, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Long Lake, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, Mound, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park, Tonka Bay, Wayzata, and Woodland.

The Secretary of State’s office published this vacancy today, Monday, October 6, 2008. Residents of District 3 who are 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, October 28, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. Letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the Governor’s office.

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 Monday, November 10, 2008, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Hopkins City Council Chambers of Hopkins City Hall, 1010 First Street South in Hopkins. 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.