All district councillors join govt-picked local bodies
All 470 serving district councillors were among thousands appointed by the government to three local bodies, whose members are responsible for nominating district-level election hopefuls.  In total, 2,999 people were picked to join the Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, and District Fire Safety Committees, collectively known as "the three committees", for two years starting from Monday.  The administration said it named new members of the three local-level committees "on basis of the merit of the individuals concerned", as well as other factors such as their ability, experience and commitment to serving the community.  "Under the improved district governance system and the reformed District Councils, the co-operation between the District Councils and 'the three committees' are much closer," the government said.  "In this regard, the government appoints all incumbent members of the district councils to be members of 'the three committees' with a view to strengthening the connection and collaboration between 'the three committees' and the district councils."