Awareness week highlights value of municipal government

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs; Randy Simms, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities; and Rodney Cumby, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Municipal Administrators (NLAMA) today signed the proclamation officially launching Municipal Awareness Week for 2002. The theme this year is Municipal Government: Creating Value for Your Community.

"Municipal government plays an increasingly prominent role in delivering public services to our residents," said Minister Langdon. "It is equally significant that people get a clear understanding of the value of these services."

Mr. Cumby reiterated the minister�s statement saying that: "Not all of us take the time to consider the costs that municipal governments face in delivering essential services like fire protection, and water and sewer. Councils and their staff work diligently to ensure that residents are getting the best possible service for the best possible price."

Mr. Simms encouraged the people of the province to get involved in the Municipal Awareness Week activities happening in their community. "Go to the open house, take in the family day or join in whatever activities your municipal council has planned. Local democracy is at the heart of our communities and we must do all we can to promote it and encourage citizens, particularly youth, to get involved."

Media contact:
Lynn Hammond, Director of Communications, Municipal and Provincial Affairs, (709) 729-1983, www.gov.nl.ca

Craig Pollett, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities, (709) 753-6820, www.nlfm.nf.ca

Lori Evoy, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Municipal Administrators, (709) 726-6405, www.nlama.ca

2002 09 23                      4:25 p.m.

PROCLAMATION
Municipal Awareness Week
September 22-28, 2002

Municipal Government: Creating Value for Your Community

WHEREAS municipal government is responsible for the provision of services that enhance the quality of life of its citizens; and

WHEREAS dedicated mayors, councillors and staff are essential for the effective governance of their municipalities; and

WHEREAS citizen involvement is essential for an active community; and

THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED
that September 22^nd to September 28^th, 2002 be known as Municipal Awareness Week in municipalities of Newfoundland and Labrador in recognition of the vital role of municipal government and in recognition of all whose efforts support it.

DATED this 22^nd day of September, 2002.

Hon. Oliver Langdon, Minister
Municipal and Provincial Affairs