The Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced today that 10 nominations were received by the June 6, 2008, deadline for the election of five members to the Avondale Town Council. The special by-election will take place June 27, 2008.

As confirmed by the returning officer for the by-election, the 10 nominees are: Percy Benoit; Richard Chalker; Kevin Flaherty; Bernard Gushue; John F. Mason; Mary T. Moore; Donna Phillips; Anne Marie Skanes; Tom Smith; and David St. John.

"I am very pleased that so many individuals have put themselves forward to serve the town as councillors," said Minister Denine. "It demonstrates a restored desire to see governance of the town by duly elected residents of the community."

In March 2007, the Department of Municipal Affairs acted on a request by the Avondale Town Council to conduct an internal review of the town�s operations and administrative functions. A number of deficiencies were identified suggesting the administrative, operational and financial responsibilities of the Town of Avondale were not being addressed appropriately. It was also determined that a number of legislative requirements had not been complied with. As a result, the council was dismissed and an interim administrator appointed. This administrator had been charged with managing the town�s affairs until the time of the special by-election.

"The appointed administrator has done a fine job in managing the town�s affairs over the past year," added Minister Denine. "I am confident that the residents of Avondale will now support the by-election process and select five very capable town councilors to ensure proper administration of their town into the future. I wish all candidates the best of luck as they vie for the available seats on council."

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Media contact:
Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 709-690-2498
JenniferCollingwood@gov.nl.ca