Asla resigns Bend park board; candidates sought

The Bend Park and Recreation District announces the resignation of Board Member Scott Asla, effective December 31, 2014. Asla resigned from the board in anticipation of an upcoming relocation outside District boundaries; residency is a requirement of board service.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my service on the Bend Park and Recreation Board of Directors,” stated Asla. “I have gotten to be part of far-reaching and impactful planning and projects that will benefit our community for years to come.”

Asla was appointed to the board on May 7, 2002 and served until June 30, 2003. He was elected again in 2009 and then re-elected in 2013. His current term would have expired June 30, 2017.

“Scott has been a thoughtful voice of the community in his tenure on the Board of Directors. He is inclusive of all perspectives in his deliberations and leadership,” stated Don Horton, Executive Director. “We will miss his leadership and passion for the impacts that park and recreation has on our community, and for his support of the people who make it all happen.”

The Bend Park & Recreation District Board of Directors is currently seeking candidates to fill a vacant board position until June 30, 2015. It is anticipated the board will appoint the new board member at their Tuesday, February 3, 2015 meeting.

The vacancy was created by Scott Asla’s resignation in December.

The Board is composed of five members who serve four-year terms. Each member represents the District at-large rather than separate zones. This is a volunteer position and does not receive compensation.

To be considered for the board position, a candidate must:
• Reside within the District boundaries.
• Be a registered voter.
• Be able to attend regularly scheduled board meetings held the first and third Tuesday of each month and other periodic meetings.
• Be willing to run for the seat in the May 2015 election for the term ending June 30, 2017.

To apply, candidates are to submit a letter of interest and responses to Candidate Questions to: Assistant to the Executive Director, Bend Park & Recreation District, 799 SW Columbia, Bend, OR 97702 or email board@bendparksandrec.org. The Candidate Questions can be obtained on the District website under the Board of Directors or “Current Happenings,” or http://www.bendparksandrec.org/info/About_Us/board_meetings/Board_of_Directors/

The application deadline is Friday, January 23, 2015. The board anticipates selecting the final candidate on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 with the candidate being seated on Tuesday, February 17, 2015.

For additional information, contact Vanessa DeMoe, Assistant to the Executive Director at (541) 706-6151 or Vanessa@bendparksandrec.org