Primary Responsibilities of a Board or Commission Member

District boards and commissions vary in size and complexity.  Because board members help shape and influence board decisions and actions, it is important that each member stays informed about issues, legislative activity, and statutes affecting their board or commission.

The guiding themes for boards and commissions members are:

• Service—The desire to serve fellow citizens is important and commendable. Members have an obligation to provide guidance and advocacy during their tenure and should be fully prepared to discuss issues before their board or commission.
  
  
• Responsibility—Board and commission members must attend meetings regularly. A member may forfeit his or her position on a board or commission as a result of poor attendance. Regular attendance enables board members to keep abreast of board concerns and helps ensure that issues are examined from a variety of perspectives. 
  
  
• Integrity—Board and commission appointees hold the public’s trust, and as such, must recognize that the public’s interests are top priorities. Personal, professional, business, family, or monetary considerations should never interfere with a board or commission member’s judgment on issues and cases.  Remember, your fellow citizens are depending on you.