We’re fortunate in Bellaire to have a great number of citizen volunteers interested in and willing to serve on our several city boards and commissions. So many, in fact, that this year we’ve set a new record. Looking at just the past 10 years we’ve averaged around 31 applicants, ranging from a low of 25 to a high of 36. This year we fielded 42 applications, exceeding the average by more than a third. The City Clerk observed that for the first time she can recall, a few of the appointment ballots extended onto a second page.
Last night the City Council completed this year’s regular appointment cycle, filling 25 positions on 8 boards and commissions. 12 were reappointments of incumbent members and 13 were newly appointed. Also of note is that two of this year’s new applicants were participants in the inaugural class of the Bellaire Citizens Academy last fall (as were eight members already serving on boards and commissions). We’re delighted by their continued involvement in the City.
The only downside to having so many applicants is that it ends up being too much of a good thing. With more applicants than openings available, unfortunately not all can be accommodated and inevitably some really great candidates are turned away. Council often has to make some very tough decisions given the quality and depth of the applicant pool, and this year was certainly no exception. So we always encourage reapplications, and in many instances some of our most dedicated board and commission members were appointed on their second or third try. It’s a good problem to have.
Our boards and commissions demonstrate, probably better than anything else, how accessible our local government is in Bellaire. One of the benefits of living in a small town is that there are lots of opportunities for anyone interested in serving their community. For information about our boards and commissions, and to apply online for future appointment cycles, click here.
Congratulations to our newly appointed board and commission members and thanks to all who have volunteered to serve.
Last night the City Council completed this year’s regular appointment cycle, filling 25 positions on 8 boards and commissions. 12 were reappointments of incumbent members and 13 were newly appointed. Also of note is that two of this year’s new applicants were participants in the inaugural class of the Bellaire Citizens Academy last fall (as were eight members already serving on boards and commissions). We’re delighted by their continued involvement in the City.
The only downside to having so many applicants is that it ends up being too much of a good thing. With more applicants than openings available, unfortunately not all can be accommodated and inevitably some really great candidates are turned away. Council often has to make some very tough decisions given the quality and depth of the applicant pool, and this year was certainly no exception. So we always encourage reapplications, and in many instances some of our most dedicated board and commission members were appointed on their second or third try. It’s a good problem to have.
Our boards and commissions demonstrate, probably better than anything else, how accessible our local government is in Bellaire. One of the benefits of living in a small town is that there are lots of opportunities for anyone interested in serving their community. For information about our boards and commissions, and to apply online for future appointment cycles, click here.
Congratulations to our newly appointed board and commission members and thanks to all who have volunteered to serve.
