It has been slightly over a year since the introduction of the Federal Way Mirror’s editorial board.

In this year, we have discussed numerous topics and have written pointed editorials concerning the nature of politics and issues in Federal Way. While on this board, the group has presided over endorsements for elected officials, tax levies and local initiatives, to name a few.

Our goal is to educate you as the reader on decisions that affect the quality of life in the Federal Way area.

To that end, I asked members of the board for a one-year commitment. After that, they could decide if they wanted to be “paroled” and set free or remain on the board for another year. One member exercised his get-out-of-jail-free card due to work constraints. Mel West has been a superb board member. Recently, West and his business partner Darrel Bowman started a BizTech talk program on KLAY 1180 AM radio in Tacoma. They can be heard from noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday. While on the board, West had direct knowledge of a number of the topics we regularly discussed and always had a good word to say. I have downloaded podcasts of this program. West is equally as adept at his radio show as he was with the board. Additional information can be found at: http://biztechtalk.net.

Amye Bronson-Doherty will fill the slot vacated by West for the next year. Bronson-Doherty has lived in Federal Way for 19 years. She has a degree in creative writing from the University of New Mexico and has worked in marketing and communications for nonprofit organizations for 24 years. She has been engaged in education leadership throughout her children’s school years, and recently completed a four-year term on the Federal Way School Board as an elected official. Bronson-Doherty is a graduate of Federal Way Advancing Leadership, and is now director of marketing and communications for this program. She lives in the Twin Lakes area with her husband, Patrick, and their three sons.

The 2012 Mirror editorial board consists of Rudi Alcott, publisher; Andy Hobbs, editor; and community members Matthew Jarvis, Nandell Palmer, Joann Piquette, Bob Dockstader and Bronson-Doherty.

You, as the community, will play a vital role with our board. We look forward to your continued participation. As a commitment to be part of this board, each member is held accountable for the actions of the board as a whole. The email address editorialboard@federalwaymirror.com will distribute messages to everyone on the board. Please feel free to contact us with any issues.