A GOOD PROBLEM: CITY HAS TOO MANY BOARD VOLUNTEERS

The city of Cape Girardeau has a problem that many other cities would love to share. In a move to encourage new blood on its advisory boards, the city mailed out forms with utility bills asking citizens if they would be willing to serve in this capacity.

An impressive 356 people responded favorably. Many of the respondents expressed an interest in serving on the parks and recreation, golf and convention and visitors bureau advisory boards.

But when the council made appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board at its most recent meeting, all five members whose terms had expired were reappointed.

The council faces an obvious quandary. It is hard to turn away well-qualified people who want to continue serving. Their experience is valuable to these advisory boards. But if new people aren't appointed, it will eventually discourage interest.

Currently there are no term limits on the advisory boards. Limiting consecutive terms to two or three might be a good option for the council to consider for all advisory boards. Since the appointments are staggered, it would guarantee that some experienced members remain on the boards at all times. After a year or two absence from the board, an individual could be eligible for reappointment.

Expanding the boards has also been suggested as a way to infuse new members, but boards that are too large could prove ineffective.

More than 150 Cape Girardeau residents currently hold seats on the city's 20 advisory boards, serving terms that range from three to five years. These boards have important roles in the city. Too many volunteers is a nice problem, but one the council should take seriously.