In late January, the Bangor City Council will begin interviewing candidates for positions on 17 different committees that oversee various aspects of our civic life. Applications from interested citizens are needed.

Our city is literally what we make it – and “we” means you. Bangor needs your ideas, your vision for the future, your creativity and your unique perspective. The Bangor that we enjoy and leave to our children will be the city that we have created together, a city that will be infinitely better if intelligent and creative citizens – like you – take a direct role in how it should be run.

As a member of a city committee, you can learn about a new field, enjoy the challenge of practical and theoretical dilemmas, and take ownership of a tangible part of what, at times, seems our out-of-control world. You will meet and work with other interesting members of our community.

Everything that is truly important in our lives is manifested locally; our local government is good, but your participation can make it better.

Some think that citizens come to City Hall only to complain and that many of us are not directly involved in working toward our community’s future. After all, it’s easier to let “someone else” do it. But with this view, small groups working in relative isolation make many decisions, and the outcomes, while often good, could be better.

Our committees range from those that require a big time commitment – such as the planning board – to many that meet only several times per year. You can become involved with parks and recreation, the cultural commission, recycling, the harbor committee, historic preservation or the water district.

Volunteer opportunities also exist outside the committee structure at the library, with the Folk Festival, on the Land Trust, Bangor Beautiful, Cool Bangor (energy) or at our schools.

New England and Bangor have a strong tradition of citizen involvement in their local communities and governments. Volunteering to serve on a city board or committee is one way that you can continue this tradition and ensure that we retain the quality of place that is so important to us all.

Information on vacancies and the application process is available online at bangormaine.gov (from the city government link on the top task bar of our home page go to city clerk and then volunteer boards). Or you can call 992-4219.

January is the month to sign up. Our democracy here at home needs you.

Geoff Gratwick is a member of the Bangor City Council.