It’s a fair comparison. The Founding Fathers put their lives on the line so people could have democratic freedoms. Some of those people today are too lazy to even vote.

Given that the current candidates are a Q-Anon and a Free Stater, a candidate whose qualifications are minimal could easily be elected.

As for the lack of pay, Amherst should consider changing that. State representatives get two (2) Benjamins per term. Maybe Amherst could spare a few nickels (or even dimes!) for its Planning Board members?