Anyone who has an interest in running for a board seat should be preparing to send in their applications. January first will be the beginning of the application period. Below is a little perspective from the inside.
Being on the board doesn’t mean just showing up for one meeting each month and voting on the agenda issues. It is very time consuming, involving taking phone calls and emails from residents, doing research and preparing for the meetings, attending assigned committee and commission meetings, attending special board meetings and workshops, participating in board activities such as the road clean up and volunteer appreciation dinner, and more.
You will also find that almost every vote you make will irritate some residents no matter which way you vote. This is very difficult because some of those folks are your friends. The phone calls and emails are sometimes complimentary but for the most part they are from people angry about a board action, complaining about some service, or wanting something changed in our community. That is fine, it is why we are on the board, but you need to be thick skinned when fielding the input.
You will also be involved in some heated debates between board members. Anyone on the board must not be shy about speaking in public and giving their opinions on issues. The meek may inherit the earth but they will not make good board members.
You will be privy to information that must be kept confidential due to legal or personnel content when you would love to be more open in your comments.
There is also an upside to the board seat. When you truly feel you are making a difference and your community is moving in the right direction it makes it all worthwhile. If you run be prepared, it can be quite a ride!
Ken Dillenburg