OPINION: Gender Balance--How Are We Doing?

Decorah resident Carol Hagen of the League of Women Voters e-mails:

More women are serving on boards and commissions in Winneshiek County and the City of Decorah today than two years ago when local members of the League of Women Voters first approached county and city officials about a new state law requiring gender balance on boards and commissions.  An even greater resolve to recruit and appoint qualified women and men is likely needed to move closer to the mark set by the law that went into effect January 1st.

Passed by the Iowa legislature in 2009, House File 243requires county and municipal governments to make a good-faith effort to balance the number of female and male members who serve on appointed boards and commissions.  The law does not enforce strict quotas but relies on the intent and effectiveness of local elected officials in recruiting and appointing members.

In Winneshiek County there are 12 boards and commissions appointed by the county supervisors.  Overall, at present, just over 40%of members are female and just under 60% are male.  This compares with roughly 29% female and 71% male in mid-2010 when League members first reviewed the make-up of local boards/commissions.  Specific county boards/commissions that remain out of balance are the regional planning commission (1 of 6 are women), board of adjustment (0 of 5 are women), board of review (0 of 5 are women) and the citizens' advisory board for mental health and developmental disabilities (1 of 9 are men). 

The City of Decorah lists 10 appointed boards and commissions on its website. Overall, at present, 39% of members are female, compared with 31% in 2010, and 61% are male, compared with 69% in 2010. Specific bodies that are still not well balanced are the airport commission (1of 6 are women), cable TV commission (0 of 5 are women), tree board (2 of 7 are women), and planning and zoning commission (2 of 7 are women).

Citizen boards and commissions are established to improve the quality of life for people in communities.  Serving as a member is a significant and meaningful way to participate in public life and help shape one's local community.  People who choose to serve gain new skills and knowledge, share diverse points of view, and some utilize their seats as a means to attain higher leadership positions or run for elected office.

Winneshiek County and the City of Decorah are looking for diversity of experiences and skills on their various boards and commissions.  Persons interested in applying for openings, or seeking more information may contact the county auditor's or city administrator's office, or log onto the county's or city's websites.