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SWAC discusses upcoming election
(by Dedra Cordle, staff writer - May 19, 2011)
At the May 18 Southwest Area Commission (SWAC) meeting, commissioners discussed vacant seats, the upcoming election and ways to get area residents involved in local government.
According to secretary Stefanie Coe, there are three vacant seats on the commission.
“We are looking for anyone who is interested in learning about the community or anyone who is interested in helping neighborhoods resolve issues,” Coe said.
Coe said interested parties do not have to be skilled in any area of government, but they should possess a willingness to learn.
“Being a commissioner is a great opportunity to get your voice heard by city and/or township leaders,” Coe said.
Carolyn Nobile said another benefit to becoming a commissioner is they hear about zoning developments and city projects before the general public does.
There are two rules to becoming a commissioner. They must be over the age of 18 and they have to live within the boundary areas of the commission. The seats will have a one-year term.
Commissioners said they would be passing out flyers in the upcoming months to garner interest for any available seats and to educate on what they do and the role they play within the community.
As for the election on Aug. 2, there will be three seats on the ballot.
Two commissioners, whose seats are up for re-election – Coe and chairman Jason Waltke said they would likely run again. Vice chairwoman Jennifer Miller said she will not seek re-election.
The elected seats have a three-year term.
Additionally, commissioner Juanita Kaufman is requesting volunteers for National Night Out on Aug. 2.
Kaufman said they are looking for people who can help work the food lines.
National Night Out, the countrywide event that is designed to heighten awareness of drugs, violence, crime, and generate support for anti-crime efforts, will be held at Finland Elementary School.
Anyone interested in becoming a commissioner is asked to visit www.columbusswac.org for more information.
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