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Cambridge Matters – Vacancies on Boards and Commissions

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Dear Friends and Neighbors:

Last week I learned from our Mayor that there were a number of positions open on several city boards. They are the Housing Board of Review, The Housing Authority Board, and the Board of Zoning and Appeals. I have asked how many positions are open on each board but have not heard back from the Mayor as yet on the numbers.

Below are links to the city website regarding each of the Boards. There is a brief mention of what they do and how often they meet.

Housing Board of Review

http://www.choosecambridge.com/index.php/default_templates/city-boards-commissions/housing-board-of-review/

Housing Authority Board

http://www.choosecambridge.com/index.php/default_templates/city-boards-commissions/housing-authority-board/

Board of Zoning Appeals

http://www.choosecambridge.com/index.php/default_templates/city-boards-commissions/board-of-zoning-and-appeals/

For the Housing Board of Review, it appears that terms for all positions ended last year or are scheduled to end August 31st of this year.
For the Housing Authority Board, it appears that the term for one position ended this past June.
For the Board of Zoning Appeals 3 terms expired in April of this year.

I am not aware of how many, if any, of these vacancies have been filled, but the Mayor advises that she needs candidates for each of them.

For the city to run properly and for matters that come before these boards to be appropriately and timely resolved, citizens need to step forward to help out. It appears that the Housing Authority Board meets regularly, while the other two only when there is an issue to be decided.

As you may recall, a few years ago there was a significant and public issue regarding the Housing Authority that was, thankfully, resolved; but the problems that arose there are an example of how important it is to have involved and knowledgeable people providing oversight regarding the work of the Housing Authority and the other boards.

We need some of you to step forward and notify the Mayor of your interest in possibly serving on one or more of these boards. Please contact her at the email address above or by calling city hall.

Not having a full complement of board members will hurt our efforts to continue the improvements that are starting to take place.

Thanks for considering this request.

Steve Rideout