The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners officially appointed two library board members during their meeting on Monday, as Post Independent | Citizen Telegram reported. These official appointments made by the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners followed a public application and review process that featured a total of nine applicants who were interviewed on Nov. 4. The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners evaluated these candidates carefully before reaching their final decisions on Monday regarding who would fill the available library board positions.
Among the selections finalized by the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners is Tela Forehand. Tela Forehand was appointed to represent Silt on the library board. Bringing professional credentials to the volunteer library board role, Tela Forehand holds an MBA and works as a construction firm chief financial officer within the business sector. The appointment of Tela Forehand adds a dedicated Silt representative to the ongoing work of the library board.
Discussing the personal motivation behind joining the library board, Tela Forehand told Post Independent | Citizen Telegram, "I have a strong sense of civic duty, and I believe that you should be invested in your community, and you should be involved, and you should be part of making things better and not letting them just fall apart."
In addition to the new appointment representing Silt, the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners also addressed board membership by approving a reappointment. John Mallonee was reappointed to an at-large seat on the library board after already serving five years in the position. During the course of that established tenure, John Mallonee serves as board treasurer and budget committee member, providing ongoing financial oversight to the library board.
Reflecting on the value of continued service on the library board, John Mallonee shared thoughts on connecting with residents across the region. When discussing the experience of serving on the board across the local area, John Mallonee told Post Independent | Citizen Telegram, "I found it has been a great way to get to know the community from Carbondale to Parachute, to meet people, to meet different parts of the community, and to really learn about the issues that matter to people."
The nine applicants who went through the interview process on Nov. 4 provided the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners with a candidate pool. With Monday's official actions concluded by the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners, the board moves forward with both a new member representing Silt and a returning at-large member who brings financial governance experience to the organization.
