Now accepting applications?

By Mark Forsythe The Kansas City Post We have close to 90 citizen boards and commissions in Kansas City. Chances are you have some experience or expertise that will apply to at least one of these groups. Have you ever been asked to serve on one? Probably not! Some boards are highly prized like the Public Infrastructure Advisory Committee (PIAC), Planning Commission, or the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Commission. They are powerful groups that make a lot of important decisions affecting the daily lives of Kansas Citians. For that reason many of these boards and commissions are populated with political insiders and influential campaign donors. I heard through the grapevine that mayor-elect Funkhouser's people are putting out feelers, looking for individuals of certain backgrounds and experience to serve on some of these bodies. While this is certainly a step forward from the way previous administrations have done things, I believe the new mayor can do better than just a few low-key solicitations from "people who might know people." Much was said in this last campaign about "transparency." I think the mayor-elect could go a long way towards showing that kind of open government by throwing the doors wide open to the process. Starting with his campaign website. It should be in full transition mode right now. No need for "Election Info" and "Yardsign" links. Turn the site into an information portal letting the citizens know what is going on as he prepares to take office. Front and center should be a listing of boards and commissions, the members' names and expiration dates of their terms. A simple web form should let anyone express an interest in serving for upcoming vacancies. The whole process should be transparent and once appointed, every commission member should have a web page bio so we can all know more about the people making recommendations that affect our City. Instead of making these groups rewards for loyal political supporters, we can make them opportunities for new ideas. It shouldn't be that hard to volunteer your time to help your community. You shouldn't have to have the mayor on speed dial. I know there is a tremendous amount of collective knowledge in this city and there's plenty of people willing to share, if only they were given the opportunity.