Do the work, sure - but have a say in Kingston business

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

Kingston residents are encouraged to take an active leadership role in local government by becoming part of the village commission team.

April 23, the Village of Kingston will accept nominations for two seats on the commission, each for three-year terms. Outgoing commissioners Murray Kinsman, who has held the position of chairman for the past year, and Scott Peckford, responsible for Kingston public works department, will wrap up the second of their two terms at the village’s annual meeting May 7.

Commissioners are volunteers, elected at the AGM. The Kingston Village Commission has five commissioners, each of whom serves up to a three-year term. A commission chairman is elected by the commissioners at the first commission meeting held after the election. Kingston’s mid-term commissioners include Muriel Craig, David Lowe and Steve Nickerson.

During their term, commissioners are assigned individual portfolios focused on wastewater, public works, recreation, or tourism issues. They work with village staff to troubleshoot within their specific area of responsibility and report back to the chairman and fellow commissioners at regular monthly meetings, held the second Wednesday of each month. All meetings are open to the public.

Muriel Craig, vice-chairman of the commission, says joining the commission is an opportunity for residents to become involved in the decision-making process, while learning more about the heritage of the village. While becoming familiar with the challenges facing the village, commissioners can take pride in being part of the grassroots decisions that shape Kingston’s future.

"Each person has a different reason for wanting to get involved, but my decision to join the commission came from wanting to see improvements to the downtown area. If you want something accomplished, you have to be willing to do the work."

While the commission follows guidelines prescribed by the provincial Municipal Government Act, commission members are responsible for establishing policy relevant to village operations. Decisions of the commission are implemented by the village’s paid staff - a clerk/ treasurer, wastewater treatment plant manager, two public works employees, an active lifestyles co-ordinator, a receptionist and crossing guards.

To be eligible for a commission seat, you must be a Canadian citizen 18 years of age or older at the time of nomination, and be a resident of Kingston for a period of six months preceding nomination day.

Nomination packages are available at the village office, and all nominations must be in writing and filed with the clerk/ treasurer between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. April 23.

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