The Rio Arriba County Commission should be expanded to five members.
   Having worked with both Taos and Grant Counties, which both have five commissioners, I have seen the benefits that two additional members brings to the public. It allows two commissioners to speak to each other and with constituents at the same time without the conversation being in violation of the Open Meetings Act. It gives a larger voice to every part of the county, more chances to be heard from the farthest parts of the county.
   I am a firm believer in government transparency and public involvement. A public process is always important and preferred, but the problem is that it is not actually required for the hiring of a county manager. I urge the county to adopt a manager hiring policy that requires transparency in the future.