DPPA forum shows workings of city commissions By Andrew Slade, DPPA board member DPPA hosted the forum "Duluth Commissions: Bridging Citizens and Government" last June 3. A great turnout of 40 people and five panel members filled the Duluth Public Library's Green Room with experiences, ideas and reflections on how city commissions engage citizens in the governance of Duluth. The panel members were all supportive of the commission process. They reflected on the long hours and the occasional public pressures and mis-perceptions. Looking back on the forum, the following points seem to emerge: Help wanted City commissions work because their members work. DPPA distributed applications for open commission seats and encouraged folks to sign up. The city doesn't necessarily come to you to invite you in. Panel members said they gave between four and twenty hours a week to their volunteer commission work. Advice needed Though most of the commissions are purely advisory in their relation with the city, that advice is generally heeded. As panelist Frank Jewell from the housing commission explained, if the commission votes against a proposal, it is likely to get a poor reception in the city administration. Politics as usual? One unresolved topic was the extent to which the city's strong mayor system allows the mayor to "stack" commissions. Applications are screened and evaluated by an advisory committee to the mayor. The mayor makes appointments, which are then reviewed and approved by the city council. Some people feel left out of this process, contending their applications to serve were never accepted. Most panel members felt that the process was fair and open, only getting political in the case of the Planning Commission. Thanks to all the panelists and to the audience for a great forum. And thanks again to AFSCME for its sponsorship. Panelists from left to right, C.J. Bird, Carol Thomson, Frank Jewell, Meg Bye, Eric Kaiser. Panelists: C.J. Bird, American Indian Commission Meg Bye, Human Rights Commission Frank Jewell, Housing Commission Eric Kaiser, Spirit Mountain Authority Carol Thomson, Planning Commission These articles are retained on the web for historical interest and do not necessarily reflect the views or goals of DPPA today.

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