If you’ve ever wanted to serve on one of the Arcadia city commissions that help guide the direction of everything from city planning, landscaping, and senior services to library and museum operations, now is the time to apply for the volunteer positions.
Arcadia is inviting citizens to get involved and help make decisions on critical issues affecting the City by applying to join a board or commission. To participate, applicants wishing to serve must be 18 years or older, a registered voter and a resident of the City of Arcadia. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2011. Appointments are expected to be made at the June 21 City Council meeting and terms vary in length from two to four years.
“Residents should get involved and serve because it’s an opportunity to make a difference in the community, provide leadership as to the future direction of our City, said Recreation and Community Services Commissioner Steven Phillipi, “and make Arcadia a better place to live.”
More than 40 residents currently serve as Boards and Commission members as volunteer advisors and provide critical input. According to former Historical Museum Commissioner Margaret Barrows, “Each of us has a little different perspective on things. In this very diverse community it is important to understand others and to bridge and embrace this diversity.”
Vacancies currently exist in the following Boards/Commissions:
Arcadia Beautiful (3)
Human Resources (1)
Library Board (1)
Planning (1)
Recreation and Parks (2)
Senior Citizens’ Commission (1)
“One of the benefits of being a commission member is how informed you become about the City,” stated Patti Anderson, Recreation & Parks Commission member. “It has been a very interesting learning experience!”
Applications can be obtained at the City Clerk’s Office at Arcadia City Hall, 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 or downloaded from the City’s website at www.ci.arcadia.ca.us.
A strong advocate of participation is elected City Clerk Jim Barrows, who previously served on two commissions said: “With pride, you look back and know that you were a part of the solution. Many things in the City (dog park, bridges, Dana Gym, soccer field, library improvements and historical items) all had their beginnings with a Board or Commission. Walt Disney once said that Disneyland would never be complete as long as there was imagination. I feel the same about Arcadia. I strongly urge everyone to consider joining the City family and bring your ideas and strengths.”
Please contact the City Clerk’s office at (626) 574-5455 or visit the City Clerk’s page on the City’s website for more information about Board and Commission service in the City of Arcadia.
— By Scott Hettrick