Funkhouser Launches Boards & Committees Application Process
By Mark Forsythe The Kansas City Post True to a promise made through the comments section of this publication, mayor-elect Funkhouser has launched a website giving aspiring citizen volunteers a chance to offer their services on one of the many boards and commissions that help govern our city. Nowhere to be seen is the "nomination" aspect first put forth by commenter kc sponge. Early reviews also pan the "Provide References" section as too intrusive. "I don't want someone calling my employer" and "I'm afraid my boss will think I'm looking for a new job" were a couple of the comments I've received. Communications Director Joe Miller assures me it's a "work in progress" although he also says the two references section was requested by the mayor-elect and his Chief of Staff, Ed Wolf. I know at least one or two people from the mayor-elect's staff read this publication, so feel free to review the idea in the Comments section. Likes? Dislikes? I personally would forego the references in favor of a large text box allowing the applicant/nominator to state their case for why they think they'd be a good fit. How about the ability to attach a resume or cover letter? Here's the form and the press release. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 18 Funkhouser Offers Online Application Process for Boards and Commissions At the request of Mayor-Elect Mark Funkhouser, city staff has created an online application form for Kansas Citians who would like to be considered for appointment to one of the city's boards and commission.The application form can be found here. Kansas City has more than 75 boards and commissions which help shape policy for everything from air quality to youth issues. Funkhouser requested the creation of the online application in an effort to bring new voices and perspectives to these public bodies. The online application form will collect applicants' names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, employer info and contact information for two references. Applicants may scroll through a complete list of boards and commissions and select two top choices. The data will be stored in a secure server at City Hall, and applicants may be contacted at any point over the next four years, as board positions frequently become vacant. The application page also offers links to more information about each board and commission. ### 30 ### For Additional Information Contact the Mayor-Elect's Office Funkhouser for Kansas City, 1800 Summit, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 816.283.3535 (Joe Miller 550-7486) funkhouserformayor@gmail.com www.markfunkhouser.com Paid for by Funkhouser for Kansas City, Evert Asjes, III, Treasurer |
posted by Mark at 4:19 PM
Comments on "Funkhouser Launches Boards & Committees Application Process"
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DaveKCMO said ... (4:55 PM) :
post a commentI agree, Mark - with this format, you are simply putting your case in the hands of your two references. It doesn't seem like an open forum - with this setup, it's either just very appeasing to what has been requested - or is going to add many hours onto someone's new job down at city hall. Maybe they don't think people will really be interested. I say everyone who reads this should apply (and tell their friends to apply, better yet tell their friends to start reading this blog!) and flood them with applications and make them take us seriously. Or maybe I'll apply for the job to go through the applications. (I want to be the one to call Kay Barne's references for the TIF commission post). But Bravo for the Funk, once again - he listens, and he'll figure out how to do it right. Kansas City - get ready.
ps - thanks for the link. High five.
WTF?! "Ethnicity" is a required field? And by the way, I'm "black" not "African American".
I really liked the idea of nominating someone.
Seems like a basic enough application though. I believe that it is actually required by Federal Law to collect applicant ethnicity info. I could be wrong...but...
I'll check on the etnhicity part. I will say, though, that while I understand the concerns, certainly, I also like the info, as diversity is top goal in this whole process.
I put in a request to add a text field, along with a line of text saying folks can choose between adding their own info about experience etc. and references. I also requested a line be added saying that you can nominate someone else.
I think it'll probably take a little while. I'm quickly learning that everything that goes on the web has to go through IT, which is a little time consuming.
Thanks, though, for the imput.
So far it's working pretty good. We've gotten 7 requests, and it hasn't gotten a whole lot of publicity yet.
Have you applied for anything Mark? If so, what committees?
I'm going to apply once they get the text box included so I can explain to them why I'm so fabulous. Plus, I don't see a distinct commission on Animal Care & Control - which is sorely needed. I'm also interested in helping set up the Town Hall meetings in different neighborhoods in the city - if that's needed.
Women"s Kansas City Association for International Relations and Trade
To enhance Kansas CityÆs international reputation and viability by fostering goodwill, positive international relations and trade among executives/professional women, business, and governmental entities. APPOINTMENT PROCESS: Mayor appoints 50 members from the community at-large. NUMBER OF CITY MEMBERS: 50 TERM: 3 years
Can someone explain to me why this commission is needed? And then, why it needs 50 people? Has anyone reviewed these commissions to make sure they're still relevant?
Clarification: I'm specifically not getting why its limited to "Women". I think Kansas City Association for International Relations and Fair Trade would suffice.
I hope Joe Miller and Funk remember that "diversity" is about more than race and ethnicity--age, level of ability, sex/gender....
And remember--some questions are illegal and therefore, answers cannot be required.
cool! i applied for the KCATA and climate change committees!