Today, voters go to the polls to decide who will represent Ward 5 on the Columbus City Council. Stephen Jones and Marthalie Porter are competing to fill the unexpired term of Kabir Karriem, who now serves in the Legislature.
But the council seat is not the only important position that could be determined today.
As early as tonight, when the city council holds its regular meeting, three appointments could be made. Positions on the Columbus Municipal School Board of Trustees, Columbus Lowndes Convention & Visitors Board and the Columbus Light and Water board are open, and it is likely that the council will choose who will serve tonight.
Although elected positions such as city council are correctly perceived as important choices, in many respects the board appointments made by the city are just as critical. All deserve careful deliberation.
The people selected to serve on these boards are entrusted with tremendous responsibilities. The decisions made by school board members touch the lives of our children in a profound way and help shape the future of our community. Likewise, members of the utilities board have a direct influence on vital services and the price we pay for those services. Those who serve on the CVB are entrusted with shaping our tourism efforts, a vital part of our city’s economy.
As the council considers its choices, we are pleased to note that there are well-qualified candidates for each position.
Given that, we strongly urge the council to set aside all considerations but one: competence.
At a time when our city, like many, faces complex issues, choosing the right people for these boards is imperative. We do not have the luxury of a decision based on race, relationships or patronage.
The choices must be made by answering one essential question: Which candidate is most competent to meet the challenges of the position?
To make a choice based on any other criteria not only is a disservice to our community, it also serves as a disincentive for qualified candidates to make themselves available in the future.
We are blessed to have among us many well-qualified, intelligent, community-minded people. But when appointments are made on the basis of race, friendships or factors other than ability, they are inclined to stay on the sidelines.
By that standard, the choices the council makes will have an impact on our community not only in the short-term but well into the future.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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