Benton County committee prioritizes citizen involvement in CAC election process

The Alsea Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting on April 22, 2024, focused heavily on the urgent need to revitalize the committee and ensure it accurately represents the voices of Benton County residents. Members emphasized the importance of having the right people on the CAC to effectively communicate community needs and priorities.

A key discussion point was the upcoming election nomination procedure. Committee members expressed a strong desire to engage the community in the nomination process, ensuring diverse representation. One member stated, “We need to think about making sure that we have the right people on the CAC,” highlighting the necessity of community involvement in selecting representatives who can advocate for local issues.

The committee is working towards reactivating its status with the Benton County Commission, which is a prerequisite for initiating the election process. Members discussed the logistics of notifying the community, with plans for bulk mailings to reach approximately 800 residents. This outreach aims to encourage participation and gather input on who should be involved in the CAC.

Additionally, there was a consensus on the need for subcommittees to tackle specific projects, such as local infrastructure improvements. This approach would distribute responsibilities and foster greater community engagement. “We need to develop committees that can really help move those things along,” one member noted, emphasizing the collaborative spirit needed to address community challenges.

As the CAC prepares for elections, members are eager to finalize the nomination process and ensure that all voices are heard. The next steps involve drafting a formal resolution to present to the county commissioners, which will kickstart the election timeline. The committee aims to have this process underway soon, with hopes of enhancing community representation and involvement in local governance.