The Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs, offered congratulations today to the newly-elected members of the five-seat town council in Avondale. The town council members, who were elected June 27, are: Kevin Flaherty, John F. Mason, Tom Smith, Ann Marie Skanes and Mary T. Moore.

"I am pleased that so many people put themselves forward to serve the town and I�m proud that the residents of Avondale came out and voted in high numbers," said Minister Denine. "This 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.

"With the election over and a new council in place, I am confident that Avondale residents can move past the events of the last year with a restored faith in their new council to ensure proper administration of the town, now and into the future," said Minister Denine.

- 30 -

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

2008 07 02                                                    9:40 a.m.