Pros and Cons of Councilor versus Members-at-Large
There are advantages and disadvantages in operating an ASB with eligible members
from each group. The following points offer the pros and cons of councilor versus
member-at-large appointments to the Board.
Members-at-large Appointments
·
Appointment of members-at-large to the ASB has the potential to diminish
the possibility of council members dominating any proceedings and
outcomes.
·
With the addition of members-at-large on the board, it may open doors for
more and better communication and input from the local ratepayers.
·
Members-at-large are selected by Council from the community to hold a
voting position on the ASB. Council is able to select progressive, proactive
people that can provide a strong agricultural presence and understanding.
·
It is also beneficial if the members-at-large selected by Council consist of a
cross-section of the agricultural community with respect to age, gender,
areas of production, etc. This diversity provides different perspectives on the
state of agriculture in the community, and the issues to be addressed by the
ASB.
·
Generally, members-at-large tend to be less political in their involvement on
the ASB.
·
Members-at-large may not see the “bigger picture” and may have the
tendency to think in terms of the individual rather than the community.
·
It is often perceived that the appointed member may not have public
accountability, as they are not elected representatives.
Councilors
·
Council members on the ASB are generally familiar with process and policy
of local government, which should improve the function and efficiency of the
ASB.
·
Council members on the ASB also reside on the municipal board, which has
the potential to improve the expediency to pass resolutions, approve budgets
and programs, and deal with issues.
·
It is often perceived that the councilor will be more accountable to the public
as they were elected and therefore have a responsibility to the ratepayers.
·
Generally councilors are able to see the “bigger picture”, and address issues
from a community perspective.
·
Councilors may not be as effective in identifying implications at the
individual producer level.
·
Unfortunately, as members of the municipal board, councilors may bring
external politics into ASB meetings.
·
Councilors as members of the local government may also have their own
political agendas.
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