New Members Sought for Seattle Citizens' Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels is seeking candidates for the Citizens' Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board. Members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council to serve a two-year term. Board members must reside in Seattle and serve without compensation.

"I urge those with a strong background in technology and telecommunications with passion for keeping Seattle in the forefront of technology to consider this important work," said Nickels.

The 16-member board advises city officials on issues of community-wide interest relating to telecommunications and technology, including cable television access and community technology access. The board is involved in cable franchising renewal and in the Community Technology Matching Fund. It will also conduct public involvement processes to solicit public comment and provide formal and informal comment and recommendations on geographic information systems to be available to the public. The board has also been actively involved in the city's exploration of providing fiber to the premises.

The CTTAB reflects a broad range of professional and community experience and perspectives and seeks to be representative of the cultural diversity of the Seattle community. It includes residents from different city neighborhoods, members of various technology or telecommunications concerns, educational institutions, lawyers and media activists. The board is seeking candidates from fields related to telecommunications or technology. In addition to persons of general background, CTTAB is also seeking a member specifically from the education community.

Participation in the CTTAB requires attendance at monthly meetings (second Tuesday of each month) and participation in at least one sub-committee that meets monthly. Board members also attend and participate in infrequent relevant public meetings and events.

Applicants may send an e-mail or visit the Web site.

KW