It’s not always easy to find a way to make a direct, positive impact on your local community. However, public service is a great way to do so. Fortunately, there are multiple opportunities right now to get involved with local government, as a number of vacancies need to be filled on Marquette County boards and committees.

“The county has over 20 boards and commissions that (are) looking for talented and interested individuals to serve on these boards and make a difference in the community,” Marquette County Clerk Linda Talsma told The Mining Journal. “By serving on these boards, individuals have the opportunity to use their knowledge and experience within our county.”

We agree. This is a great chance for area residents to put make their voices heard and help usher in positive change. When thoughtful, compassionate and intelligent people put their talents to use by serving on local boards and commissions, the entire community benefits. Furthermore, serving on a local board or commission is essential to learning about how government functions — and the role could even serve as a stepping stone to further municipal or political work.

The boards and committees with vacancies are as follows:

– The Marquette County Aging Services Advisory Committee is looking for one professional in the field of geriatrics to serve a term ending on Dec. 31, 2023. The committee advises the Marquette County Board of Commissioners on services that should receive funding from the county’s senior services millage.

The committee also provides opportunities for involvement by individuals with geriatric and senior care knowledge and experience. It also exchanges, discusses, reviews and gathers information on aging issues to assist in developing recommendations to the board of commissioners.

– The Land Bank Authority is looking for one at-large member to serve a term ending on Dec. 31, 2023.

The Marquette County Land Bank Authority was formed in 2009. Its mission is to work collaboratively with local governmental units and community organizations to find the best way to return tax-foreclosed properties to the tax rolls.

– The Pathways Community Mental Health Board is seeking a person to serve on the board for a term ending on March 31, 2025. The board governs the operations of the mental health program in Alger, Delta, Luce and Marquette counties. The board includes representatives of providers and consumers of mental health services, agencies and occupations having a working involvement with mental health services, and the general public.

To be considered to serve, an application must be on file to be considered for the above positions by the Marquette County Board of Commissioners. The deadline for applicants is April 4.

Application forms are available in the county clerk’s office at 234 W. Baraga Ave. in

Marquette. Call 906-225-8330 for more information.

Appointments will be made by the county board at its regular meeting on April 5.

An application form is available at www.mqtco.org.

We encourage all interested and able parties to consider applying for one of these positions. Public service is a critical part of engaging in a democracy and fulfilling civic duties. It allows individuals to help make change from the ground up and take concrete actions to build the community they want to see.

“Whether you’re currently working or retired, your knowledge is always in demand. Please consider applying your talents; by doing this you may be able to help others in ways you never thought,” Talsma said.

As Talsma says, you just never know whose life you may be able to change for the better with your service.