You probably didn’t vote for the people who made the biggest decisions affecting your neighborhood this month. That’s not a glitch — it’s how county boards and commissions work. These groups oversee specific offices and programs of local government, often requiring subject-matter expertise.
Appointees serve as the civic workhorses of our county. They review zoning and planning applications, advise on emergency services, shape public health and weigh in on infrastructure and environmental standards. Many bring deep professional experience and offer their time in retirement to serve. They don’t campaign for these roles, but their votes carry real consequences — and in some cases, make binding decisions.
This system allows Monroe County to tap into the dedication and insight of its residents. We couldn’t govern effectively without them — and as an elected official, I want to sincerely thank every current board and commission member. Your service is often behind the scenes, but it makes the county work.
That said, gratitude doesn’t exempt anyone from accountability.
Recently, some in our community have argued that because board members are volunteers or private citizens, they shouldn’t face public criticism. Others have suggested curtailing public comment to shield them from discomfort or protect efficiency. I couldn’t disagree more.
The moment someone accepts a public role — no matter how part-time or unpaid — they step into the shared and sometimes uncomfortable conversation of public life. Decisions can divide neighbors, raise tempers, and spark passionate disagreement. That doesn’t mean appointees should be shouted down or disrespected. But it does mean they should expect questions, fair criticism and public input. That’s not dysfunction. That’s democracy doing what it’s supposed to do.
Some also assume party politics drives appointments. As a former party chair, I can say: it doesn’t. Most appointments are made by elected officials without formal input from political parties. While some seats are designated for Democrats or Republicans under state law, those assignments are rarely discussed with party leaders. The only true exception is the County Election Board, where each party chair appoints a representative. Admittedly, there’s no perfect method for meeting state requirements for political balance — but without those codes, both parties might be unaware of who’s representing their worldview.
Of course, partisan balance is only one dimension of representation. In a recent sample of roughly 100 Monroe County appointees, the average age was 64.5. Men outnumbered women 1.5 to 1. Just 3% were non-white. Nearly all were homeowners, with an average property value of $456,000.
By contrast, Monroe County is younger, more diverse, and less affluent. The median age is 31.4. Two-thirds of Bloomington residents rent. Nearly 20% of residents are people of color, half are women, and most households earn under $90,000 a year.
I don’t share those figures to discredit anyone currently serving. Quite the opposite — our community owes them thanks. And still, we know diverse boards make better decisions. That’s not just a slogan — it’s a civic truth. In a time when diversity and civil rights are under attack across the country, we must reaffirm: Diversity is a strength. Encouragingly, appointments to the Women’s Commission and the Substance Use Disorder Awareness Commission already reflect this more fully.
The deeper issue isn’t partisanship — or even age. It’s access and process. Appointments aren’t always well-publicized, and applications can sit unanswered. I’ve been there. When I applied years ago to the now-defunct Affordable Housing Advisory Commission, it took nearly eight months — with no communication. Online rosters are often outdated. While the state now requires counties to post appointee information — a welcome move — we still lag behind cities like Bloomington, where the OnBoard dashboard offers transparency. The County Council has adopted public-facing standards for Sophia Travis Grant Committee appointments, but broader reforms are still needed.
So what can you do? Go to meetings. Watch for vacancies and apply. Be your own best advocate. Let officials like me know you applied. Follow up. Speak up. Show up. Demand clarity, access, and openness. And if you’re already serving — thank you. Help us widen the circle and bring in the next generation to learn beside you, and someday, teach it forward too.
David Henry is a member of the Monroe County Council. He resides in Van Buren Township.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Help us widen the circle of county appointees | Opinion
Reporting by David Henry / The Herald-Times
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