Common sense on board members

Should the new community of Greenwood come into being on July 1, 2009 the law requires that all members of boards and commissions must be reappointed. The thought was that current members would be reappointed and additional members would be added to each board to add representation for White River Township. However WRT Board Member Mark Messick demonstrated some common sense and made a great point. You will also be surprised by the support he received. Here are my notes from the meeting.

Monday, Oct. 19, 2009: Mark Messick asked why have this requirement at all. Why split it between old and new. “Why created separation between White River and Greenwood from the gitgo.” Mr. Messick went on to say he would seek changes in that requirement if it remains in the recommendation. He compared it to entering into a marriage with a pre-nuptial, either you trust the leadership or not. A requirement such as this means we don’t trust each other. This does nothing to make the members of the new community to trust each other. Since all boards expire on June 30, 2010 the mayor would have the ability to appoint board members that equally represent the area. “Maybe a better recommendation is that all boards and commissions should be reappointed at that time. It then becomes the mayor’s responsibility to fairly appoint the new boards.” Mayor Henderson stated that he supports Mr. Messick’s position.

Ron Deer stated the requirement prevents the “potential” for mistrust of government to influence people. He said it takes the politics out of the situation an states clearly that it will be fair. His concern is that many people will not trust “politicians” but saying “we have to follow the regulation” that ends any potential for mistrust.

Pat Sherman went on to say that this may be the most important point of the reorganization plan. We have to assure the residents that the new boards and commissions will fairly represent all residents of the “new” Greenwood.  It is important to that this in there to stop people from voting against it.

Mr. Messick stated that if they feel that way they will vote against it anyway. He believes it holds us back from getting to the “new” Greenwood. We will continue to have a divided community. Mr. Deer responded that is has become an issue and it needs to be addressed. Pat Sherman that this all started with the public input from early in the process, specifically the residents of the rural southwestern township area.

Mark stated that you are telling people you will be at odds with Greenwood until 2020. Mr. Messick promised he will actively work with his board to have this removed. Mayor Henderson said the debate is over for now and suggested Mr. Sherman come back to the committee and seek a compromise. Mark Messick stated if the compromise is not reached “It is dead anyway.”

Councilwoman Magna-Rees suggested announcing that positions are open and interested parties should contact the mayor’s office and the mayor chooses from those whom express interest.

NOTE: Wow common sense, why expand the board. Since the law requires that all boards and commissions expire should the new community come into existence on July 1, 2010 the mayor has to reappoint all members anyway why not just ask him to balance them across the entire community?

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