Columbia Vision Commission accepting applications

COLUMBIA — The city clerk’s office is accepting applications for the Columbia Vision Commission.  The two vacancies, with terms to expire on Dec. 15, 2013, must be filled by one qualified voter living in the city of Columbia and one resident who lives in Boone County but outside city limits.  

The positions are open after the resignations of Co-Chairman Jeffrey Williams and Commissioner Diane Drainer. Williams resigned to take a job in Kansas City; Drainer resigned to become the new director of alumni advocacy at MU.

"The purpose of the commission is to track, monitor and assist with the implementation of the community visioning process by conducting periodic reviews and issuing an annual report on the progress of implementation to the community," according to a news release from City Clerk Sheela Amin.

The release also said that "the commission will recommend implementation tasks and other public education and outreach programs" to add to the visioning report accepted by the City Council in February 2008.     

Residents and organizations may nominate candidates for the commission by contacting the clerk’s office and providing contact information for the nominee. Nominations must be made by April 1 so that nominees will have time to complete the application by noon on April 3. Self-nominations are also acceptable. 

Applications are available at the city clerk’s office or on the city Web site, and can be submitted directly to the clerk's office.

Candidates must have demonstrated commitment to the visioning process and will be evaluated on their ability to work with data, collaborate with other commissioners and community members, demonstrate management skills and contribute to the diversity of the commission.

Assistant City Manager Paula Hertwig-Hopkins said it would be best if candidates were familiar with the vision commission’s report and had participated in some of the public dialogues, although this is not required.

For further clarification on the vision commission and its responsibilities, check out the city Web site.