Dear Colleagues!           In my work I have been using directories of “Maximov Publications” for several years. Directories of “Maximov Publications” are easy to use, they are practical and full of important data. In a moment one can find information about name and position of a person, organization's title, telephones numbers, e-mail addresses. I know that directories of “Maximov Publications” have become hand book s to many politicians, state and municipal clerks.           Release of new directory “Local Authorities in Russia” is a very important event not only for municipal community, but also for those who are engaged in development of local self-government.           Release of directory “Local Authorities in Russia” is of special significance in terms of the reform of local self-government in Russian Federation. To January 1 st, 2006 the number of municipal entities, including bodies of local self-government, has increased more than two times. Elections of municipal entities' heads and representative bodies' deputies have passed.           The contact information about them is in demand today. One can say that directory “Local Authorities in Russia” is forming informational basis of municipal community.          I wish the publishing house to realize successfully their creative plans and to release new editions!   With best regards, Vladimir Mokry Chair of State Duma Committee on Local Self-Government