The “Volunteer Opportunities” listing on Mesa County’s website says applicants for the now-open seat on the Mesa County Board of Public Health (BOPH) must be a “Representative of a business (financial acumen) in Mesa County.” A lot of people asked in the comments why being a “representative of a business” was required to apply for this seat.
It turns out it’s not a requirement at all.
Under the Public Health Act of 2008, representing a business is NOT a requirement for people to serve on Boards of Public Health. It turns out the County Commissioners are stating a preference “to help maintain a well-balanced board.” But arguably boards can be balanced in other ways, too, by having a wider range people of different ages, different ethnicities or types of employment serve, for example.
Following is the email thread I had with the County about this, including the response I got this morning from Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis, who says anyone can apply to sit on the BOPH:
To apply for the open seat on the Mesa County Board of Public Health, click HERE.