LEWISTOWN - Governor Edward Rendell recently appointed Lewistown Borough Council President James Felmlee to serve on the Local Government Advisory Committee.

"I'm honored to have been appointed by the governor to sit on his committee representing all the boroughs in the commonwealth. This appointment gives me a voice to express concerns of all boroughs," Felmlee said Wednesday of his recent appointment.

Felmlee said that he was approached approximately five months ago by the Pennsylvania State Associate of Boroughs, of which he serves as Second Vice-President, who asked him if he would represent the organization on the committee.

Felmlee said he was sworn in on Monday but doesn't know of any committee meetings in the immediate future, citing the transition of Joe Scarnati to Lieutenant Governor as the reason. Felmlee indicated that the Lieutenant Governor traditionally participates in the committee's meetings.

Felmlee said that while he will represent all boroughs in Pennsylvania, he will also personally represent the residents of Juniata and Mifflin counties.

"Its a very big plus for our area, to have someone local be able to represent them at the state level," Felmlee said.

According to a press release issued by the Pennsylvania State Associations, the Local Government Advisory Committee consists of members who represent statewide local government associations, gubernatorial appointees and General Assembly leadership appointees.

The release also states that serving on the Local Government Advisory Committee will provide a platform for Felmlee to further engage municipal issues as he has effectively done for Lewistown Borough and for the Juniata-Mifflin County Boroughs Association.