Posted by ndillon on 11/05/09 10:17 AM [Older: Rights vs. Privileges Letter]

November's list of open appointments to various commissions, boards, advisory councils and other panels that constitute your state government in action is now available at the Secretary of State's website.  There are over 40 pages in this listing because of the sheer number that expire on 31 December.

Somebody once asked why I post these lists since it seems like I'm encouraging the unwieldy bureaucracy that we're all united against.  I post these lists for the simple reason that until we have enough people in Saint Paul to pull the plug on these agencies, we should be serving on them and bringing our principles to the table.  Many of these boards and panels (think: Met Council) oversee the spending of YOUR money - imagine if they had fiscally conservative majorities?  Additionally, they require less time than running for public office, so they may fit better into people's lives who want to affect matters in the public sphere but can't be a legislative candidate due to family and professional commitments.  Finally, serving on these boards helps our campaign for liberty because the members learn about the workings of state government, can help educate the rest of us on what they learn, and gain experience and credentials to perhaps run for office in the future.

The appointing agencies take many factors into consideration when choosing the members, including race, age, gender, education and home town.  So please check the list and consider applying in an area of personal or professional interest.  I did - so can you.

(My application was declined.)

Posted 11/08/09 9:33 PM nordog Bovey, MN

Thank you for posting that information. You are 100% correct, this is a very great way to push for change from within. It is almost beyond most peoples comprehention how much difference 1 vocal and knowledgeble person can make on these boards and commisssions. I have been doing this for years and I encourage everyone who can to grab as many of these positions as posible, this battle needs to be fought on every front possible.