Premier Thanks MHA Jim Hodder for Years of Dedicated Service

Jim Hodder, Member of the House of Assembly for the District of Port au Port, announced today that due to health reasons, he will be resigning from provincial politics.  On behalf of the people of this province, the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, thanked Mr. Hodder for his dedication to the people of Port au Port and the province as a whole.

�Mr. Hodder has proudly represented the people of Port au Port for more than 21 years,� said Premier Williams. �He has been a remarkable representative in our government and will be greatly missed in politics by his colleagues and the residents of his district.  He has been a committed and dedicated MHA for many years and a strong voice for his constituents.  His legacy will be one of proud service, a tremendous work ethic and great achievements for the people he represented.�

Mr. Hodder has had a lengthy political career that began when he was first elected as the MHA for the district of Port au Port in 1975. During his political career, he served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier; Minister of Cultural Affairs, Tourism and Historic Resources; Parliamentary Secretary of the Resource Policy Committee to Cabinet; and Opposition House Leader. 

�I want to sincerely thank Jim for his service over the years and wish him and Cathy health and happiness as they enter the next phase of their lives,� added the Premier. 

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Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960, 351-1227
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca 

2007 01 12                                                        1:20 p.m.