Three local residents of Port au Choix have been appointed to manage the town. They are Carolyn Lavers, Elizabeth Plowman-Walters, and Bill Powell. Ms. Lavers and Ms. Plowman-Walters are former mayors of the town, and Mr. Powell is a former chairperson of the Twin Towns Arena Committee. The appointments are effective immediately.

"The political climate in Port au Choix supports moving toward local municipal governance, and this group will manage the administration and operational functions of the town for the foreseeable future," said Minister Byrne. "This group of dedicated individuals is deeply rooted in the community, and experienced with municipal operations. I am confident that they will work with the residents to continue to deliver reliable services and manage the operations of Port au Choix in a responsible and effective manner."

Since April 2006, the business of the Town of Port au Choix has been conducted by an administrator appointed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs to re-establish public confidence and ensure that the business of the town was effectively managed. This followed the dismissal of the mayor and three town councilors, and resignation of the three remaining councilors.

"I would like to acknowledge Dan Noseworthy, who has acted as administrator for the past year. His efforts have improved public confidence in the town�s administration and secured the operational affairs of the town to the point where we can re-introduce local governance," added Minister Byrne. "A feasibility study has been requested by municipalities in the area to explore alternatives to the current structure of municipal governance. Therefore, we will await the report prior to calling a by-election and electing a full town council."

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Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 690-2498
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2007 06 18                                                     11:00 a.m.