Barrington has more than two dozen boards and commissions, and about half of them have vacancies. 

A recent press release shared by the town clerk’s office lists openings on 13 separate boards and commissions: Barrington 250th Ad Hoc Committee; Board of Assessment Review; Board of Canvassers; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee; Economic Development Commission; Housing Board of Trustees; Open Space Committee; Planning Board; Resilience and Energy Committee; Senior Services Advisory Board; Veterans Advisory Committee; and Zoning Board of Review. 

There may have been even more vacancies, except that Barrington Town Council members made a series of board appointments at the June 2 meeting. 

The council appointed Joyce Boyle to the Barrington 250th Ad Hoc Committee, which is tasked with recognizing the significance of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States of America. The committee will engage in “planning and organizing events, activities, and initiatives to honor Rhode Island’s contributions to the United States’ founding principles.”

The council also appointed Torsten Mayer-Rothbarth to the Barrington Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Mayer-Rothbarth said he lived in Europe previous, where bicycling is very popular. He said he was looking for a way to become more engaged in the community. 

The council appointed James San Giovanni to the Board of Assessment Review. San Giovanni told the council he worked as an appraiser in Barrington. 

The council appointed Alex Anderson as the student representative to the Barrington Park and Recreation Commission. Anderson said he was looking forward to providing the student-athlete perspective for fields in Barrington. He said he also wants to learn about local government. 

The council appointed Elizabeth Hermann to the Barrington Planning Board. Hermann said she has lived in town for six years, worked at RISD for 32 years, and also ran a nonprofit. 

Want to volunteer?

Any residents interested in serving on a board or commission should fill out an application, which can be found at www.barrington.ri.gov or at the town clerk’s office or public library.