The Planning Commission Part 4 - Selection

Yesterday we looked at the role of politics in the Planning Commission. Today we’re looking at the process and the candidates. Process first -

KEEPING SECRETS

After the interviews for the Planning Commission positions earlier this year, it was later revealed that one of the applicants had been employed by two of the Council members. Apparently CJ Brower had worked for both Mayor Voigts and Councilman Robinson. Now in theory there’s nothing wrong with having worked for, or campaigned for, a Council member. But why was this information not disclosed? Look at the City’s code of ethics, Section 2.3

“Safeguard ability to make independent, objective, fair and impartial judgments by scrupulously avoiding financial and social relationships and transactions that may compromise, or give the appearance of compromising, objectivity, independence, and honesty.”

The caveat against “social relationships” surely applies in this case.

But Voigts and Robinson aren’t the only sinners at this table. Councilman Herzog has voted for applicants for Commissioners who supported his re-election campaigns, and, as far as I can recall, he neglected to mention this at the hearings.

And lest you think this is all the misbehavior that can be reported, the relative of a major financial contributor to Voigts and Robinson’s campaigns made it through the application process with nary a word about the cashing of checks.

None of this is illegal, but it is certainly morally questionable if not downright unethical in some cases. Personally I don’t see the problem if this information is disclosed, and where it is applicable, the Council member can recuse him/herself. But keeping this information secret makes it look like a crime.

Bottom line – any financial or social relationship between a Council member and an applicant, however remote, should be revealed, and the Council member should seek guidance from the City’s attorney and from his/her peers as to the propriety of voting.

QUALIFICATIONS

Apart from (a) being related to big contributors to City Council election campaigns, or (b) being a contributor yourself, or (c) working for a Council member, what other qualifications might we look for in a member of the Planning Commission?

1. A Background in Planning, either from education or work experience, ideally from both.

2. Involvement in City Activities, either at their HOA or the many city -wide groups such as Parade Committee, Kiwanis, Soroptimists, Garden Club, etc.

3. Familiarity with the city, usually based on having lived here for a while.

4. An open mind, which generally means someone whose life experiences do not suggest a bias one way or the other. Electing a home builder to a Planning Commission is a bit like having the Fox watch over the hen house.

With these qualifications in mind, let’s look at the candidates.

CANDIDATES

Tomorrow let's discuss the applicants. Meanwhile if you know any of these people, why not put up a comment or two?