For the past 36 years, the members of the Metropolitan Council have been appointed by the governor. They have an important role, since the organization oversees everything from wastewater treatment to low-income housing and parks to transportation planning.

Republican lawmakers have long been irritated by this structure and are seeking to diminish the councilâÄôs power by changing it to a body made up of local elected officials.

The argument that organizations that affect peopleâÄôs lives should contain elected members isnâÄôt completely off base. However, changing the structure of the Met Council would be a lengthy and unnecessary reform process.

Local perspective should absolutely be listened to when mulling over prospective projects. However, not subjecting the council to elections allows for more neutrality in their decision-making process.

The stateâÄôs grim $5 billion shortfall makes funding projects more challenging, but effective decisions that benefit urban and suburban areas can be made under the current Met Council structure.

Instead of stomping their feet in frustration, legislators should do the job they were elected to do and advocate more for the needs of their own districts.

We assume there wouldnâÄôt so much concern over the councilâÄôs structure if the state hadnâÄôt elected its first Democratic governor in 38 years: Regardless of political lines, the Met Council has functioned well and has the results to prove it.