April 23, 2007

New Chief Electoral Officer, Commissioner of Members� Interests

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced today that during the spring session of the House of Assembly, the government will ask the House to approve a resolution appointing Paul Reynolds as the next Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for the province.  Should the resolution not be passed by May 1, Mr. Reynolds will occupy the role on an acting basis until the House votes on the resolution.  The government will also propose to the House that Mr. Reynolds be appointed as the Commissioner of Members� Interests.

�On behalf of government and people of the province, I thank Mr. Reynolds for accepting this responsibility and for his enthusiasm in accepting the challenge of these positions,� the Premier said.  �His extensive experience in both the private and public sectors will serve him well as his fulfills the duties and functions of the Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner of Members� Interest.  This role is particularly important during this, our first ever fixed Provincial Government election year.   I have every confidence Mr. Reynolds will fulfill his duties with impartiality, sound judgment and integrity.�

The Premier thanked outgoing CEO Mr. Charles J. Furey for his tenure.  �I thank Mr. Furey for his service and wish him well with his future endeavors.�

The Chief Electoral Officer operates under the Elections Act 1991 and is responsible for exercising general direction and supervision over the administrative conduct of elections and enforcing fairness, impartiality and compliance with the act.  The Commissioner for Members� Interests operates under the House of Assembly Act and is responsible for monitoring, investigating and reporting on the compliance of Members of the House of Assembly with conflict of interest legislation.

- 30 -

Media contact:

Elizabeth Matthews

Director of Communications

Office of the Premier

709-729-3960, 351-1227

elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

Biographical Information
Paul Reynolds

Mr. Reynolds graduated from St. Francis High, Harbour Grace in 1961.  He furthered his education by completing several business management courses at St. Columbia and Memorial University. 

Private sector and volunteer involvement include: member Wedgewood Park Recreation Commission; councillor Town of Wedgewood Park; deputy mayor and mayor of Wedgewood Park; councillor, City of St. John's; member Board of Directors YM/YWCA; member Heart and Stroke; Health Sciences Run for Health; Board of Directors, St. John's Port Corp; Director, Drivers Licence Review Board; director, Pippy Park Commission.

Mr. Reynold�s work experience includes: Canadian National Railways, operator; Gulf Canada, manager business development and retail sales; Ultramar Canada Ltd., manager Retail Sales and Home Heat Division.

2007 04 23                                                        2:30 p.m.