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| By Jennifer Sawyer Staff Intern WILBRAHAM- Selectmen seek volunteers to serve on a new Agricultural Commission and fill numerous other vacancies on various town boards. After undergoing a state review, the Agricultural Commission will be formed in September, serving mainly to promote agriculture in the Wilbraham area. The three members appointed to this committee will focus especially on the needs and concerns of farmers and the caretaking of farmland. According to Town Administrator William Fogarty, the Agricultural Commission is part of a "smart growth" initiative put forth by the state government in an effort to preserve open space and farmland. The group promotes continuing agricultural activities, such as purchasing local produce. In addition to the Agricultural Commission, there are currently vacancies on the Advisory Board of Health, Cable TV Advisory Committee, Commission on Disability, Historical Commission, Open Space and Recreation Committee, the Sewer Advisory Board, the Capital Planning Committee, and the Finance Committee. There are also vacancies for elected positions on the Planning Board. Fogarty explained that volunteers desiring to apply for any of the vacancies should have the spare time necessary to commit to the positions, but emphasized that there is no "ideal candidate." "The board represents the cross section of the community," Fogarty said. "Different backgrounds and different points of view represent the diversity of the town." There is no specific deadline for completed applications, but the Board of Selectmen is hopeful to have the majority of positions filled and ready to commence duties by September. Volunteers can serve terms from one year to three years, depending on the position. Terms always end in May. Applicants for any positions must be residents of Wilbraham and must also be registered voters. Those interested in applying for a position may send a resume to the Board of Selectmen, Town Office Building, 240 Springfield Street, Wilbraham, MA, 01095. Fogarty expressed his faith in the boards for the upcoming year, explaining that volunteers willing to serve their town are essential to ensure that the public is heard. "Small towns especially need volunteers to bring residents' viewpoints to all of these issues. They represent the general interest of the community." |