Deadline extended for city commissioners

Despite considerable advertising about the positions, City Clerk Terri Cook said there just hasn't been a huge stampede for the openings. She said the lack of response might be the result of bad timing, since the announcements were made near the holidays. Another reason could be that people are just too pressed for time these days, she said.

However, Belmont is historically a very involved community, said Cook, who was born and raised in the city.

"People here are never afraid to speak their minds," she said. "It shows people care about what's going on."

Sitting on a commission is a surefire way to take the final plunge into city politics, Cook said.

"It's a good start for people who want to get involved but don't know how," she said. "Suddenly people find themselves on the inside and they're getting a better understanding of how things work."

Certain commissions - like the Planning Commission - tend to get more applicants, she said, while others - like the Arts Commission - get very few.

Getting applicants for the Finance Commission in particular can be tough, said Councilmember Coralin Feierbach.

"It's not easy to find finance people who have the time to sit on a commission," she said.

Although the majority of incumbents are shooting to keep their seats, Cook said their re-appointments are not automatic. If councilmembers want a change on the commission, however, she said they'll need a pool of candidates to choose from. If three seats are opening up on a commission, Cook said it would be healthy to have at least two new candidates gunning for the seats.

Openings

Parks and Recreation Commission: Three open seats for terms expiring March 1, 2006.

Parks and Recreation Youth seats: One-year terms for residents between the ages of 13 and 17.

Arts Commission: Three openings for terms expiring March 1, 2006.

Finance Commission: Two vacancies and two openings.

For more information on applying for a commission seat call 595-7413 or visit www.belmont.gov.