To the editor:

When I read the July 15 News Briefs of the Polk County Board of Commissioners meeting, two items regarding volunteer boards caught my attention. Reviewing the boards, what they do and how they do their jobs is probably something that could be useful.

I am sure there are some that need updating for procedures, overlap and some that are not necessary anymore.

Then I next read that the one applicant to be an alternate on the county zoning board of appeals was not acted on. Mr. Gage feels he’d like to see more than one applicant for the position.

I wondered if I should laugh or cry. Why would Mr. Preston White’s service not be acceptable? Wrong party? Wrong friends? Wrong whatever? The Columbus Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments has been looking for members since the original board was dismissed and it was discovered the replacements were not readily available.

Not surprising it turned out the people were very leery of volunteering their time and effort only to be unceremoniously dumped. It would be exciting if anyone was interested in volunteering for any of our local boards. (FYI – I am chair of the Columbus Planning and Zoning Board.)

– Kathie Noakowski, Columbus