City seeking dozens of volunteers for board, commission vacancies by Oct. 9

LACONIA — The city is seeking dozens of volunteers to serve, filling a number of vacancies across Laconia’s boards and commissions. The deadline for applications is Friday.

The city is looking to fill vacancies including:

• 1 alternate member for the Board of Assessors
• 1 registered architect or public member for the Building Code Board of Appeals
• 1 alternate member for the Conservation Commission
• 1 regular position and 3 alternates for the Heritage Commission
• 4 regular members for the Human Relations Committee
• 1 member for the Weirs TIF District Advisory Board
• 1 regular position and 2 alternates for the Historic District Commission
• 4 regular members for the Lakeport TIF District Advisory Board
• 1 regular member for the Library Board of Trustees
• 3 regular members for the Personnel Advisory Board
• 1 regular member for the Planning Board
• 2 regular members and 2 alternates for the Zoning Board

All applicants must be residents of Laconia, and are eligible to serve on more than one board or commission, if they do not conflict. Members applying for positions on the Lakeport or Weirs TIF District advisory boards must own property, live, or represent an organization or business within the given district.

City Manager Kirk Beattie said city staff have “worked hard to fill as many vacancies as we can,” and noted there are “certainly a number to fill” right now.

Mayor Mike Bordes said it is quite “disconcerting” no one wants to apply, and said he does not know how to go about recruiting community members to get involved in their city’s government. Bordes said he sees a lot of complaints regarding city decisions online or on social media, but when the opportunity to shape things for the city comes up, people don't step up.

Beattie said Laconia is a great place to be involved, and if someone is applying for the first time, any one of the boards and commissions would be a great way to get involved.

Bordes hopes more people show up and get involved in their city.

For further information, contact the City Manager’s Office. Applications are available online at laconianh.gov/390/Boards-Commissions, and must be submitted by Friday, Oct. 9.