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<p class="MsoNormal">January 20, 2016<br>
<br>
Greetings:<br>
<br>
The terms of two members holding seats on the New England Fishery Management Council will become vacant on August 10, 2016. Both are at-large seats, meaning they are regional in nature and not obligated to any particular state. One of the seats is currently
held by Frank Blount, from Rhode Island, who is completing his third and final term and is not eligible for re-appointment. The other is held by Michael Sissenwine, from Massachusetts, who is completing his first term and is eligible for re-appointment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br>
The appointments to the Council are made by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, based on recommendations from each state’s Governor. On behalf of Governor Raimondo, DEM Director Janet Coit will coordinate the application process for nominees from Rhode Island.
On behalf of Director Coit, I am hereby soliciting candidates from Rhode Island for one or both of the Council seats.<br>
<br>
Timing is critical, as the Governor must submit her nomination letter and the completed applications to the Secretary by March 15, 2016. Accordingly, anyone who wishes to be considered as a candidate must submit a letter of interest, along with a completed
Nomination Application Kit, and any letters of recommendation, by <b>Friday, February 19, 2016</b>. The information may be sent via email to
<a href="mailto:Robert.Ballou@dem.ri.gov">Robert.Ballou@dem.ri.gov</a>; or via snail mail or hand delivery to Robert Ballou, DEM-Director’s Office, 235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908. All of the information will be forwarded to Director Coit, who in turn
will coordinate with Governor Raimondo.<br>
<br>
The Nomination Application Kit is available at:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/reg_svcs/Councils/Nominations/applicationkit.htm">http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/reg_svcs/Councils/Nominations/applicationkit.htm</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt">For more information, you may call me directly at 401-222-4700, ext. 4420<br>
<br>
Thank you,<br>
<br>
<br>
Robert Ballou,<br>
Assistant to the Director<br>
<br>
<br>
cc: Janet Coit, Director<span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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