Letter to the Editor - Let commissioners know what you think about board appointments

To Editor and readers:

The Hill County commissioners will be dealing with appointing county boards at the commissioners’ business meeting this coming Thursday, March 28, 10 a.m. Citizens should have the opportunity to comment on how the commission will handle board appointments at this upcoming commissioners’ business meeting.

Serving on county boards and committees is one of the few means for citizens to participate in and influence what will be happening in the county.

At times, finding people to serve on county boards and committees can be difficult. There are many reasons. One reason is that the citizens are not aware that positions are available. Other reasons are the process to apply and transparency in appointments.  

Currently, the county lists 27 vacant positions on 10 boards/commissions.

However, conspicuously missing is the listing of open positions on boards where terms of existing members are expiring. In the past, there have been instances where expiring terms were just extended without any public process or transparency. Not informing the public and not providing an opportunity to apply for positions denies citizens the opportunity to participate.

One board not listed is the Hill County Park Board which has two terms that will expire at the end of April. By contrast, a notice has been published in the legal section of the Havre Daily News for the newly formed committee of the park board which needs all members appointed.

Let the commissioners know your thoughts this coming Thursday and consider serving on county boards and committees to participate in the plans and actions for the future of our county and citizens.

Lou Hagener   

Havre