July 29, 2005

11 county board and commission vacancies in District 3

By County Supervisor Pete McHugh
Special to the Times

Approximately 52 boards and commissions advise the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on many county issues, and District 3 currently has 11 vacancies on nine different commissions.

The Board of Supervisors appoints commissioners, who must reside in Santa Clara County. Although appointees may reside in any of the five Supervisory districts, I prefer to appoint candidates who live in my district.

Board and commission members review and discuss matters related to their policy areas and forward recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for consideration. Most meetings are held monthly at the County Government Center located at 70 West Hedding St. in San Jose.

Below is a list of some District 3 vacancies.

Advisory Commission for Persons with Disabilities
This commission reviews and evaluates the needs, services, facilities and special problems of persons with disabilities in Santa Clara County. Commission members must be either disabled, a relative of a disabled person, a representative of a disabled community provider organization, or a representative of different disability groups as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The commission meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. This commission will submit nominees for appointment to my office for consideration. I currently have two vacancies. If you wish to be included in this list, please contact the clerk of the board at (408) 299-5080.

Commission on the Status of Women
This commission promotes the Board of Supervisor’s policy to take action to eliminate the practice of discrimination and prejudice on the account of gender in the areas of housing, employment, education and related fields. This commission meets the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. Any resident with an interest in women’s issues may apply.

Correctional Industries Advisory Board
This board makes recommendations on ways to help county jail inmates develop skills and work experience. A focus of the commission is to enhance an inmate’s ability to find employment after release. Any resident with an interest in the county jail system may apply. This board meets the first Monday of every quarter at 4 p.m. at 701 South Abel in Milpitas.

Domestic Violence Council
The purpose of this council is to encourage coordination between agencies dealing with domestic violence. The council also seeks to reduce incidents of domestic violence and abuse by promoting effective prevention, intervention and treatment techniques.

Any resident with an interest in domestic violence issues that is also a representative of any faith community may apply. Members serve three-year terms and meet on the first Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m.

Health Advisory Commission
This commission advises the Board of Supervisors on issues that impact the health of the public. Recommendations may include policy and system changes, service enhancements and resource allocations.

The Health Advisory Commission also monitors and evaluates county actions regarding public health. My appointee must be a representative of the nursing field. This commission meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month.

In-Home Support Services Public Authority Advisory Board
In 1992, California passed a bill that allowed counties to create public authorities for In Home Support Service . The County Board of Supervisors adopted an enabling ordinance in December 1996 that requires the appointment of an advisory board of not more than 11 individuals.

Members shall not serve for more than one consecutive four-year term. Any resident with an interest in in-home support services may apply.

Historical Heritage Commission
The purpose of this commission is to protect, preserve and promote the historical and cultural heritage of this county.

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the County Government Center. I have two vacancies and any resident with an interest in Santa Clara County’s history is eligible to apply.

If you have any questions or wish to apply for any of these and other openings, please contact Irene Whiteside from my office at (408) 299-5036. You may also download an application at: http://www.sccgov.org/scc/assets/docs/204130application_membership.pdf.