But could Benton make the Mosquito Control Board?

Clark County Commissioners David Madore and Tom Mielke are defending their decision to bypass the normal hiring process and hire fellow Republican Don Benton as the Director of Environmental Services, a job that, according to the county’s own job description, he’s not qualified to do.

But that’s just a supervisor position that comes with a nice salary and benefits.

Now, if you want a volunteer position on the Mosquito Control Board of Trustees, well, that will require some effort on your part. I know ads for seats on advisory boards and commissions are all essentially the same, but, as a reader pointed out to me, it’s amusing that at the same time the county commissioners are defending the decision to hand a job to Benton, they are requiring the common folk to jump through the normal hoops.

For a volunteer position. On a board that deals only with one insect.

Because, you know, it’s about respecting the process.

To be considered for the open seat on the board, the person has to live in Commissioner District 1 (that’s Mielke territory, and it includes Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek and north county.)

The board, according to the county’s press release, “oversees work of the Mosquito Control District, establishes policy, prepares and approves district expenditures, and contracts for services. Operational activities are contracted with Clark County Public Health, which administers the program.”

To apply, send a letter of interest — yes, a letter of interest — and qualifications to jennifer.clark@clark.wa.gov. Applications may also be faxed to 360-397-6058.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday.

Commissioners will consider all candidates, and then the appointment will be confirmed at a later commissioners’ meeting after being publicly noticed on the commissioners’ meeting agenda. Again, it’s all about respecting the process.