Terms Cut Short in Planning, Parks

Two planning commissioners and three parks commissioners will have their terms cut short by two years and be forced to reapply if they want to keep their posts, the City Council decided this week. The commissioners’ terms will end in February.

“I wanted to keep open the possibility that we could appoint people more updated on the issues that got [Karen] Robinson and I elected,” Councilman Chris Steel said. “I also want to have different views and diversity on the commissions. I would like to have everyone on the council share my view, but as far as the lower commissions, I appreciate diversity because the buck stops with me on the City Council.”

Councilman Gary Monahan suggested leaving the appointment process as is, but he didn’t receive support from his colleagues.

“I think this is politically motivated action that is going to lead to cronyism and favors being returned,” Monahan said.

Planning Commissioner Tom Sutro said the appointment of all the commissioners by council vote could lead to a reduction in diversity.

“If we have a council leaning more to no growth, the council majority may want a Planning Commission that thinks that way too,” he said. “They can really pick and choose who they want. I don’t know if it’s a good thing because you always want diversity, people looking at things in a different way so you can get the big picture and make sure you do what’s right for the city. The commissioners would be people who represent only the majority of this council.”