Often, during the last seven years or so I’ve been writing for Colorado Politics, I’ve been inspired by a particular news story, and have delivered columns focused on a single topic. Other times, I’ve found it interesting to cobble together different stories I feel are worth your attention, albeit briefly, along with some other thoughts. With more than 630 columns published so far, you may have grown used to my mood swings and hyperbole. Recently, I got a new source of column ideas when I was added to Gov. Jared Polis’s press list.

As a result of being added, I get a few press releases every day. Our governor is a busy guy. You can find these same press releases on the governor’s website, if you are interested. Many are routine and some are more important, but they tend to always be interesting, at least to a political nerd like me.

A late March “presser,” as us cool kids in the know call them, caught my attention recently and dealt with the large number of Coloradans Polis recently appointed to various boards and commissions. The existence of such organizations may never cross your mind, but they are many and are often quite important.

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Back in 2009, I was honored to be appointed by then-Gov. Bill Ritter to the Judicial Review Commission for my area. Our state is divided into various judicial districts, and each has a commission that oversees the judges. Once a year, judges are called to appear before the commission to defend their records.

It was a fascinating thing to be a part of, and I mentioned to a judicial friend some of the judges seemed oddly nervous. He smiled and replied those commission meetings were the only times each year when the judge was not in charge of a meeting. When I went to work for U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in 2010, I had to resign from that commission to prevent any possible conflict of interest, but it was interesting work.

I got on that commission when a friend asked me to volunteer, but for many such boards and commissions, “regular” folks like us are often welcome to participate. Some require specific backgrounds, and some (like my commission) have slots for various types of people.  For example, my judicial commission had (at that time, it may have changed) slots for lawyers but also slots specifically for your standard-issue community member.

Interested in getting involved? There are several ways to become involved, but the simplest is likely a click away, at the link for Colorado Boards and Commissions.

What type of boards and commissions are there? Well, let’s just look at a few of the nearly 300 boards and commissions out there, shall we?

Colorado has its own Automotive Theft Prevention Board. This board is made up of people from various sectors, including the insurance industry and law enforcement. The State Patrol, of course, runs the various anti-theft programs, but report to the board. 

The Colorado Civil Rights Commission, as per the governor’s statement, “investigates complaints and conducts hearings concerning alleged discrimination in employment, apprenticeship programs, on-the-job training and vocational schools. The commission also investigates the existence of discriminatory or unfair employment practices by a person, employment agency, labor organization, or vocational school.” I’d have a hard time coming up with a more important commission in this day and age. This board has specific backgrounds required for most members, such as a small business owner, a large business owner, a person from a chamber of commerce, as well as a labor organization representative. But there is also a slot held open for someone from the community at large.

As a huge history nerd (Editor: that’s twice in one column you’ve called yourself a nerd), I bet the work of the Colorado Historic Preservation Review Board is quite interesting. Tasked with approving National Register nominations, among other jobs, I’d imagine serving on that board would be a remarkable way to deep dive into Colorado’s history.

Surprisingly, at least to me, is that there is still a board that oversees pari-mutuel betting on  horses, the Colorado Racing Commission. Currently there is but one horseracing track left in Colorado, Bally’s Arapahoe Park in Aurora, during the summer. Back when I was stationed at FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne, I had friends that would drive down to Fort Collins and even Colorado Springs sometimes, to bet on greyhound racing. Those tracks have long-since closed, as Colorado is one of 42 states that bans live greyhound racing. I often drive by the now-abandoned dog track here in Colorado Springs. I’m guessing serving on this board would be important, but not especially busy.

And we shouldn’t forget the Coroners Standards and Training Board, especially given the recent new stories. I’m guessing very specialized education and knowledge would be required to serve on this board, but when I tried to check, I went to their webpage on board members only to find it blank, with the helpful note “add board member info here.” So, I’m guessing they are very, very busy or not that busy at all. Still might be an interesting board to be on, if they have lay members.

I could go on and on about the boards and commissions that might be available to you, if you are interested, to include such boards as the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District Board, which will be of rapidly increasing importance in the years to come. I’m a tad surprised to find the existence of a Radiation Advisory Commission, but given Colorado’s history with Rocky Flats, it’s probably a good idea. And a couple hundred more boards are out there.

I’m guessing for most folks there is a board or commission that deals with a subject you are passionate about. I urge you to consider become involved in your state and community by exploring service on such a board or commission. Some will be out of reach, barring certain qualifications, but many have openings for regular folks. There are even websites to help with instructions on how to apply for membership. More general information can be found on the governor’s boards and commissions site.

So, what do you think, Colorado? You just might find an outlet for your passion.

I found my commission experience to be rewarding and fascinating. I urge you to consider putting yourself out there. Do some research and then consider serving. You might find a truly rewarding future of service.

Hal Bidlack is a retired professor of political science and a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who taught more than 17 years at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.