In Illinois, voters decide whether these board members are re-elected. In other states, the mayor or county board member chooses whether to reappoint a board member. Although the trend has been toward shorter terms, it's not unusual to have a park board member who serves 10 to 15 years. Perhaps a record, a Kane County Forest Preserve board member served that agency for 51 years. Rotation on the board broadens the number of citizens involved in the agency and, perhaps, support for parks, recreation and conservation.
New members eliminate nonproductive board members.
Sometimes board members who serve too long become possessive and self-perpetrating. On the other hand, a dedicated and effective board member does not just happen. It rakes time to learn about an agency and how to be an efficient and effective board member. Valuable board members are too essential and should not be replaced simply because they have served a certain period of time. A good board member is an asset and stabilizing force for the agency and the community.