The Oklahoma State Capital

GUTHRIE - Loyd C. Lentz III and Joseph Coffin were reappointed to the Guthrie Capitol Townsite Historic Commission Tuesday (2-15). The two were approved unanimously by the Council. The applicants were some of the first to take part in the new City system for requiring that applicants give information about themselves to Council so that Council has knowledge of who it is they are appointing. This was a system requested by Ward III Councilor Grant C. Aguirre. During the November 16 meeting of the Council a park board appointment was held up due to Councilman Aguirre's concern about a lack of information concerning the applicant. He felt that information should be given to the councilors about future board members.

In the past the individual board chairmen have given the list of perspective board members to the City management which has included it on the Council agenda. Upon noting Councilman Aguirre's concerns City Manager Jones acted to install a system by which perspective board members must give information about themselves before the Council votes on whether he/she should receive the position desired.

During the February 15th meeting, while noting the improvement in the system, Councilman Aguirre also noted that Mr. Coffin and Mr. Lentz serve on other City boards. Councilman Aguirre expressed concern about the fact that board members are serving on more than one board. Mr. Aguirre indicated that the populace would be concerned if he (Aguirre) served on the Logan County Board of Commissioners in addition to being a Guthrie City Councilman. The concern was noted by Council but it was also expressed that it is hard to get people on the boards who are willing to serve.

Ward II Councilor Foster expresses support for the members of the citizenry who wish to serve on these boards and has in the past talked of rewarding the board members with a certificate in appreciation for their work. City Manager Jones pointed out that there is already a standing vacancy on the Townsite Historic Commission. Mr. Jones stated that there is a need for volunteers. The Council seemed to agree that the answer to the problem is definitely more volunteering on the part of the citizenry. Guthrie residents interested in applying to serve on the Townsite Historic Commission or any other of the city boards should contact City Manger Jones' office and indicate their interest.