In 2007, there was an opening for Oak Island's seat on the Brunswick County Aiport Commission. Two applicants submitted their apps for the appointment. Below, without revealing their identities, are the summaries by the applicants on their experience;
Let's stop and consider here; these two applicants were for the BRUNSWICK COUNTY AIRPORT COMMISSION.
A person who is an instrument rated pilot, attended the NC Dept of Aviation conference, literally worked on the Saturn Five Rocket project, currently owns a company that manufactures specialized material handling products and aircraft items in seven countries and the U.S. .......
................... did NOT get the appointment.
The Drywall Contractor got the appointment to the Airport Commission.
Once again, we must remember that I am running for Mayor, and the Mayor does not have a vote on appointments to committees.
I do wish, however, to work with the Council to strengthen the qualifications necessary for certain committees such as the Airport Commission, the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustments, and to amend the process in which committee appointments are made.
The term of one of the members of the Stormwater Advisory Board expired in mid 2009. That member applied for reappointment for the Board. The Board had 2 other vacant seats. At the meeting in which the 3 vacant seats on the board were considered, that member was the only applicant for the 3 vacant positions. The Council refused to re-assign that member to the Board, even though the other Board members agreed he had worked diligently in his position on the Board.
That Board remains with 3 vacant positions.
COMMITTEES AND BOARDS
PROCEDURES AND APPOINTMENTS
In 2008, members of the public sent letters to each member of the Planning Board, with their names and the Town Hall address. The clerk of the planning board gave the letters to the Chairman of the Planning Board. The Chairman later refused to forward the letters to the members of the Board. One member of the Board went to the clerk of the Board to confront her on why the letters had not been forwarded.
That member of the Planning Board was removed from the board for "unprofessional conduct".
In 2009, a Council member requested that the Chairman of the Planning Board be removed for poor attendance of only 50% of the scheduled meetings. The Council voted against removing the Chairman, stating he should be given consideration because he was self employed.
The Chairman resigned after the Planning Board meeting following that Council meeting, since he was absent also for that meeting, equalling absences 7 of 13 months served.
The Chairman also resigned from the Airport Commission (see above)
We need more consideration given to appointments to Boards and Committees !! Minimum qualifications should be set for Boards which can and do affect the future planning of Oak Island and can affect the outcome of projects by members of the public.
For committees that do not require significant technical expertise or experience, the applicants should be seriously considered, with the most qualified being appointed.
All committees and boards should have a 'charge' by Council, stating clearly the expectations of Council and the ultimate goals of the operations of each board and committee.
Certain boards and committees should have a cross-section of the community as members so that all areas of impact on the community have representation. As of the August, 2009 Council meeting, at which 2 sitting members were denied re-appointment to the Planning Board, the Planning Board is now fully seated with individuals from businesses related to building and real estate.
IF THERE ARE MORE VACANT SEATS ON A COMMITTEE THAN APPLICATIONS FROM QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS, THE APPOINTMENT OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS SHOULD BE AUTOMATIC.
WHEN I AM ELECTED AS MAYOR, I HOPE TO ENCOURAGE ALL INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE THE DESIRE TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITY AS VOLUNTEER MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES TO TENDER THEIR APPLICATIONS ONCE AGAIN. WE HAVE A WEALTH OF EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE IN OUR VOLUNTEERS. THEY SHOULD BE WELCOMED, THANKED FOR THEIR WILLINGNESS TO SERVE AND GIVEN THE APPRECIATION DUE FOR THEIR SERVICE.
