Editor's Notebook: City Hall Wants You to Help Guide Public Policy

The City of Benicia currently has 14 positions open on Boards and Commissions.  I can tell you, from personal experience, the work is:

• often difficult because the issues are complex;
• sometimes disheartening because you find yourself on the losing side of a vote on an issue you are passionate about;
• not very glamorous (board and commission meetings are often badly attended);
• Very gratifying, especially when you watch the City Council accept your recommendations and incorporate them into policy.
• Very important.

Here is a list of current openings.  If you care about public policy then do yourself and the community a favor- help make public policy.

If you are interested in the efficiency of government organizations then consider applying to the SolTrans Public Advisory Committee.  SolTrans is a new agency.  That means the members of the advisory committee get to help develop guidelines for how the agency will conduct business.

I hope some Patch readers will decide to pitch in for this great community.

Applying is easy.  Go to the City’s website.  Click on the Government & Officials tab and scroll down to the Boards, Committees and Commission Openings.  The website also has descriptions of the mission of each board and commission.

Here is the list of current openings and directions on how to apply.

Building Board of Appeals

Two full terms - Open until filled

SolTrans Public Advisory Committee

One full term - Open until filled

Benicia Community Sustainabiltiy Commission

One unexpired term - Open until filled

Open Government Commission

One unexpired term - Open until filled

Human Services Board

One unexpired term & three full terms - Open until filled 

Economic Development Board

Two full terms - Open until filled

Benicia Housing Authority Board of Commissioners

One full term - Open until filled

Historic Preservation Review Commission

Two full terms - Open until filled

Library Board of Trustees

One full term & one Poet Laureate - Open until filled

Arts and Culture Commission

Two unexpired terms - Open until filled 

Any citizen interested in serving on any City Commission or Board is encouraged to file an application with the City Clerk's Office by filling out the application and supplemental application for the board or commission of interest.  Applications are available at  the City Clerk's Office at City Hall at 250 East L Street.  

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If there’s something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor JB Davis at 707-628-0051 or email him at benicia@patch.com.