It’s not always easy to find a way to have a direct and positive impact on your local community. However, public service is a great way to do it. Fortunately, there are currently multiple opportunities to get involved in local government, as a number of vacancies need to be filled on Marquette County boards and committees.
“The county has over 20 boards and commissions that (are looking for) talented and interested individuals to serve on these boards and make a difference in the community,” Marquette County Clerk Linda Talsma told the Mining Journal. “By serving on these boards, individuals have the opportunity to use their knowledge and experience within our county.”
We agree. This is a great opportunity for area residents to raise their voices and help usher in positive change. When thoughtful, compassionate and intelligent people contribute their talents by serving on local boards and commissions, the whole community benefits. Additionally, serving on a local council or commission is essential for learning how government works – and the role could even serve as a stepping stone to further civic or political work.
Boards and committees with vacancies are:
≤ The Marquette County Aging Services Advisory Committee is seeking a professional in the field of geriatrics for a term ending December 31, 2023. The committee advises the Marquette County Board of Commissioners on services who should receive funding from the county’s senior departments thousandths.
The committee also provides opportunities for participation for people with knowledge and experience in geriatrics and care of the elderly. It also exchanges, discusses, reviews and collects information on aging issues to help develop recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.
≤ The Land Bank Authority is looking for an extraordinary member for a term ending on December 31, 2023.
The Marquette County Land Bank Authority was established in 2009. Its mission is to work collaboratively with local government units and community organizations to find the best way to return foreclosed properties to tax rolls.
≤ The Pathways Community Mental Health Board is seeking an individual to serve on the board for a term ending March 31, 2025. The board governs mental health program operations in Algiers, Delta, Luce, and Marquette counties. The council includes representatives of providers and consumers of mental health services, agencies and professions with professional involvement in mental health services, and the general public.
To be considered a servant, an application must be made to be considered for the above positions by the Marquette County Board of Commissioners. The deadline for applications is April 4.
Application forms are available at the County Clerk’s Office at 234 W. Baraga Ave. at
Marquette. Call 906-225-8330 for more information.
Appointments will be made by the departmental council at its regular meeting on April 5.
An application form is available at www.mqtco.org.
We encourage all interested and able parties to consider applying for one of these positions. Public service is an essential part of engaging in a democracy and fulfilling civic duties. It empowers individuals to help make change from the ground up and take real action to build the community they want to see.
“Whether you are currently working or retired, your knowledge is always in demand. Please consider applying your talents; by doing this, you may be able to help others in ways you never imagined,” Talsma said.
As Talsma says, you never know what life you could change for the better with your service.