Guest columnist

You probably didn’t vote for the people who made the biggest decisions affecting your neighborhood this month. That’s not a glitch — it’s how county boards and commissions work. These groups oversee specific offices and programs of local government, often requiring subject-matter expertise.

Appointees serve as the civic workhorses of our county. They review zoning and planning applications, advise on emergency services, shape public health and weigh in on infrastructure and environmental standards. Many bring deep professional experience and offer their time in retirement to serve. They don’t campaign for these roles, but their votes carry real consequences — and in some cases, make binding decisions.

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