City officials seeking applicants to fill boards and comissions vacancies

At the end of 2012, there were 14 vacancies among the Bloomington Boards and Commissions.

“We want as many people as possible to be aware that there is a way for them to be involved in Bloomington,” Sue Wanzer, deputy city clerk, said.

There are 36 listed boards and commissions geared toward the different needs of Bloomington and its citizens.

“The work of those different commissions can be extremely helpful to us when crafting legislation or taking a look at city problems,” said Susan Sandberg, vice president and Bloomington City Council at-large representative.

The city clerk’s office is responsible for receiving and coordinating applications. All Bloomington residents are eligible to apply. For some positions, citizens living outside city limits, but still within the county, are also eligible, Wanzer said.

Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan and city council members are responsible for appointing candidates to the boards and commissions.

Terms are either two or four-year appointments according to what city code dictates for a particular board or commission. Sandberg said council members work to anticipate vacancies when terms are ending in order to fill the positions as soon as possible.

“Even if someone’s term is ending, they can continue to serve until they are either reappointed if they are reapplying or a replacement is named,” Wanzer said.

Vacancies are expected to be filled by the end of January to mid-February at the latest, Wanzer said.

Currently, the number of applicants is low and Wanzer said they are looking for more people to apply.

“We are especially looking for people to fill positions on the Hispanic and Latino Affairs Commission and the Commission on Sustainability,” Wanzer said.

Applications are accepted year-round and are kept on file in order to manage positions that open up during the year.

“But at this time of the year, when we anticipate the greatest number of vacancies, we get somewhere between 50 to 70 applications,” Wanzer said.

Commissions and boards require varying qualifications in their candidates. Generally, appointments are given to those who are interested in serving but also have the corresponding experience and knowledge, Wanzer said. Sandberg said citizens are encouraged to apply in order to become involved, even if it just means attending commission meetings.

“We are looking for people with fresh perspectives who can add to the diversity of the conversation,” Sandberg said.