STATE OF MINNESOTA OFFICE OF GOVERNOR TIM PAWLENTY 130 State Capitol - Saint Paul, MN 55155

GOVERNOR PAWLENTY ANNOUNCES STADIUM SCREENING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
~ Group's work is key to developing viable stadium options for Minnesota's sports teams~

Saint Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the members who will compose the Stadium Screening Committee, a group chaired by Finance Commissioner Dan McElroy, that is charged with reviewing stadium proposals submitted by local leaders, sports teams and citizens across Minnesota. The committee will identify viable stadium solutions for further consideration by the Governor.

"Our call for leadership on the stadium issue was answered with a tremendous response from the people of Minnesota," Governor Pawlenty said. "The exceptional talent pool made it possible to recruit a strong cross-section of community leaders. Minnesotans proved once again they are deeply committed to serve in the public's best interest."

The 20 members of the Stadium Screening Committee appointed by the Pawlenty administration will include 12 members from the public and six from the Legislature. Members include:

Legislative Members:

Senator Cal Larson, Fergus Falls

Senator Steve Kelley, Hopkins

Senator Dean Johnson, Willmar

Representative Connie Ruth, Owatonna

Representative Steve Strachan, Farmington

Representative, Democrat to be named

Public Members:

Scott Thiss, Edina; Chairman and CEO of S@W Plastics of Eden Prairie and chairman of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

Henry Savekol, Albert Lea; Practicing attorney and past chairman of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.

Don Gerdesmeier, Minneapolis; member of Minnesota Teamsters Union and its DRIVE representative.

Tom Rosen, Fairmont; CEO of Rosen's Diversified of Fairmont.

Annette Meeks, Minneapolis; Director of Government Affairs and Public Programs for the Center of the American Experiment.

Roger Moe, Erskine; Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader.

Mary Brainard, Mahtomedi; President and CEO of Health Partners.

Clarence Hightower, Minneapolis; President and CEO of the Minneapolis Urban League.

Gerald Norsby, Apple Valley; Retired from Ford Motor Company.

Lisa Lebedoff Pielen, St. Louis Park; Former state tourism director.

Marilyn Porter, St. Paul; Architect and former facility manager for Catholic Charities. Currently works at the St. Paul Public Housing Agency.

Renae Diebold, Granite Falls; Real estate attorney in Marshall.

Jamie Bestgen, St. Cloud; Vice president of sales and marketing for Wilkie Sanderson of St. Cloud.

In an effort to develop a viable stadium solution for Minnesota, two weeks ago, the Governor made a public request for proposals from cities, counties, business leaders, developers, team owners and the general public. The deadline for the proposals is January 15, 2004.

Commissioner McElroy added, "While stadiums are not this Administration's top priority, these teams contribute to making Minnesota a great place to work, live and raise a family."

The committee's first meeting is set for December 9, 2003. The group is scheduled to review submittals and forward its recommendations to Governor Pawlenty on February 2, 2004.

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