What do folks think of the Met Council Appointments? Eva Young Minneapolis
GOVERNOR PAWLENTY APPOINTS MEMBERS TO METROPOLITAN COUNCIL -- March 3, 2003 Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of sixteen members to the Metropolitan Council, saying that like all areas of state government, the Council needs to reform the way it operates to improve service delivery. The Governor said he selected "an interesting mix" of individuals and community leaders who will bring innovation and diverse perspectives to the regional agency. "The Met Council has an important role to play in the quality of life in the Metro area," said Governor Pawlenty. "Through innovation, reform and increased efficiency, it can improve service. By being a strong partner with communities, it can encourage and facilitate economic growth that protects the character of each community and is also good for the region as a whole. Along with Peter Bell's leadership, I'm confident this is the team to get the job done." Governor Pawlenty's appointees include: Rick Aguilar, Duane Arens, Marcel Eibensteiner, Song Lo Fawcett, Chris Georgacas, Peggy Leppik, Annette Meeks, Tony Pistilli, Roger Scherer, Glen Skovholt, Russell Susag and Lynette Wittsack and the reappointment of Tom Egan, Jules Smith, Mary Hill Smith and Natalie Haas Steffen to the Metropolitan Council. Aguilar, West St. Paul, is president of Aguilar Marketing Productions, is a commissioner of the RiverCentre Authority, founded the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and is a past chairman of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce. Aguilar replaces John Conzemius in Metropolitan Council District 16. Arens, St. Anthony, is the director of community and economic development for Connexus Energy in Ramsey. Arens replaces Jim Nelson in Metropolitan Council District 10. Egan, Eagan, is an attorney and partner with the law firm of Egan, Stewart & Lauer in Apple Valley and a former two-term mayor of Eagan. He has been a member of the Metropolitan Council since May 2002. Egan is reappointed to Metropolitan Council District 15. Eibensteiner, North Oaks, is founder and president of Royal Oaks Realty, Inc., Royal Excavating, Inc., and Imperial Homes, Inc. Eibensteiner replaces Roger Williams in Metropolitan Council District 11. Fawcett, St. Paul, is an attorney and partner with the law firm of Kelly & Fawcett and chairs the St. Paul Human Rights Commission. Fawcett replaces Dan Galles in Metropolitan Council District 13. Georgacas, Mahtomedi, is a principal and shareholder with Goff & Howard, Inc., a public relations/public affairs firm in St. Paul. Georgacas replaces Marc Hugunin in Metropolitan Council District 12. Leppik, Golden Valley, recently retired after serving six terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives, where she chaired the Family and Early Childhood Education Finance Committee. Leppik replaces Frank Hornstein in Metropolitan Council District Six. Meeks, Minneapolis, is director of government affairs and public programs for the Center of the American Experiment. Meeks replaces George Garnett in Metropolitan Council District Seven. Pistilli, Brooklyn Park, is the owner of Park Appraisal Service, a real estate appraisal company, and a member of the Brooklyn Park City Council. Pistilli replaces Todd Paulson in Metropolitan Council District Two. Scherer, Plymouth, is chairman of the board of Scherer Bros. Lumber Company, and previously served on the Metropolitan Council from 1980 to 1984 and again from 1992 to 1998. Scherer replaces Saundra Spigner in Metropolitan Council District One. Skovholt, St. Paul, is president of Government and Community Strategies. Skovholt replaces Lee Pao Xiong in Metropolitan Council District 14. Jules Smith, Chaska, is an attorney in private practice, president of International Renaissance Festivals, Ltd., which produces and operates renaissance festivals in Annapolis, Maryland, and Toronto, Ontario, and president of International Conference Foundation. Smith has been a member of the Metropolitan Council since 1993 and currently chairs its Management Committee. Smith is reappointed to Metropolitan Council District Four. Mary Hill Smith, Wayzata, is a past chair and current member of the Minnesota Women's Campaign Fund, and chair of the Sheltering Arms Foundation. Smith has been a member of the Metropolitan Council since 1993, and chairs its Transportation Committee. Smith is reappointed to Metropolitan Council District Three. Steffen, Ramsey, has previously served as a member of the Ramsey City Council, commissioner of the Department of Human Services, and an Anoka County Commissioner. Steffen has been a member of the Metropolitan Council since 1999. Steffen is reappointed to Metropolitan Council District Nine. Susag, Richfield, is president of SUSAG Environmental Consulting, Inc., and was the director of environmental regulatory affairs with 3M. Susag replaces Phil Riveness in Metropolitan Council District Five. Wittsack, Minneapolis, is a stay-at-home mother, former business owner and community activist. Wittsack replaces Carol Kummer in Metropolitan Council District Eight. "I am pleased by the caliber of individuals that Governor Pawlenty has appointed to the Metropolitan Council," Chair Peter Bell said. "There are some very significant issues before the council and I am eagerly looking forward to working with these new members." 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. Eva Eva Young Near North Minneapolis Blog is up: http://lloydletta.blogspot.com "You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone - not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc., but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be." --Article II of the Bill of Non-Rights. _______________________________________________ Twin Cities Metropolitan Issues Forum http://www.e-democracy.org/tcmetro Rules: Sign posts with real name. You may not post more than twice a day.
