True North

I'm on the list to receive open appointment listings from the Secretary of State. This opening caught my eye:

METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
390 N. ROBERT ST., ST. PAUL, MN 55101, 651-602-1000
M.S. 473

Appointing: Governor
Compensation: $20,000 Annual Salary

Vacancies: One (1) - Resident of Metropolitan Council District 5 to complete a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

(District 5 includes the Hennepin County cities of Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield, and the unorganized territory of Fort Snelling)

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning agency for the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. The Council advocates for vital communities and cost-effective regional services. It runs the region's bus system, collects and treats wastewater, manages regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The 17-member Metropolitan Council board is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Minnesota Governor. The seventeen members include a chair who serves at-large and sixteen members who each represent a geographically defined council district. All members serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Members cannot hold elected public office and must reside within the council district they represent. The council is organized by committees, which make recommendations to the full board. The standing committees are Committee of the Whole, Environment, Transportation, Community Development, and Management. Council members each serve on at least two committees, attend semi-monthly council meetings and meet regularly with local government officials and members of the Minnesota Legislature. Beginning August 1, 2001, compensation for the council chair was increased to $58,489. Council members are paid a fixed salary of $20,000. Council meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays; the Committee of the Whole meets on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays, as needed. Meetings are held at 390 N. Robert St., St. Paul, MN 55101.

Here's an excellent opportunity to join and be involved with regional decision-making, since these are not elected positions but their planning decisions affect us all. It's also a paid position. You can download an application or apply online here.

Cross-posted at FreedomDogs.