It is said that ignorance is bliss, but an uninformed public does not a blissful community make.

Although public meetings are not an unusual occurrence — in fact, they are held every week — three upcoming meetings directly affect Niles residents and their community, and may be of interest to many people.

The first is at 6 p.m. today at the Niles City Council Chambers.

City of Niles Police Chief Ric Huff will be interviewed for the city administrator position during the Niles City Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting at 6 p.m.

Huff has served as chief for 10 years and has worked for the NPD for 25 years. He is seeking the job to be vacated by 13-year administrator Terry Eull, who will retire in September.

The job description for city administrator includes presiding over about a dozen departments and six department heads. The city’s current budget totals $30 million.

Huff is currently the only internal candidate. If he is not hired, the city will seek external candidates.

The interview is open to the public, although citizens are not permitted to comment or ask questions.

The City Council Chambers are located at 1345 East Main St. in the fire department building.

The second meeting is hosted by the City of Niles, Niles Charter Township and the Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance. The groups are planning a public meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Ring Lardner Middle School’s cafeteria to discuss the 11th Street Corridor plan.

The three groups have initiated a strategic planning process for Main Street up to the Indiana state line.

What would you like to see in this business district? What don’t you want to see? Voice your opinion at this meeting.

Learn more about the corridor project at www.planfor11thstreet .info.

The third public meeting of citizens’ interest is Saturday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. in the Niles District Library community room.

The Dowagiac River Keepers, a group who wants to see the Pucker Street Dam removed to benefit the water quality, fish population and overall health of the river, is seeking public input.

The Niles City Council, which has offers from two companies wanting to purchase or lease the dam, will discuss the issue at a Committee of the Whole meeting Feb. 28.

As residents and taxpayers, you have the opportunity and right to voice your opinions, learn more about the inner-workings of government; and make things happen to better your community.

Get involved to improve your way of life and keep yourself informed.

Katie Rohman is the managing editor of the Niles Daily Star, Off the Water, Cassopolis Vigilant and Edwardsburg Argus. She can be reached at (269) 687-7713 or at katie.rohman@leaderpub.com.