Nerditorial: County Planning Commission Update

On January 15th, the County Council appointed a new citizen (J Michael Zachary) to its Planning Commission to serve in the District 3 seat that has been recently vacated by John Lesow.

Two days later, Mr Zachary resigned from the Planning Commission.

I [body function] you not.

Here is an excerpt from Mr Zachary's resignation letter.

While I strive to be part the Whatcom County community (besides refereeing varsity football games on Fridays and Saturdays), I am new to the area. I bring many talents and expertise but I am, and will forever be considered in the eyes of the community, the "guy from Seattle". Councilmember Knutzen's comments, and ultimate vote, was my wake up call.

Hmm... Mr Knutzen's comments, based on this letter, must have been some galvanizing words. I attended that meeting and don't remember Mr Knutzen's comments being particularly galvanic.

So, I found the audio from that meeting to review Mr Knutzen's comments...

...both of these applicants I contacted and were very qualified... and I appreciate their willingness... and I would hope that this vote would not prohibit them from applying for any other positions because I really think they would be a valuable asset... either one of these two... but I'm going to vote for Vekved... and it was basically on the grounds that he has been here for a long time in the community... but I would like to say that... Mr Zachary... I appreciate your willingness also...

Those who want to listen to the audio can download them from the county website. LINK 

But to my ear, this comment sounds pretty much like how it reads. It sounds like Mr Knutzen would have placed both candidates on the Planning Commission if there were enough vacancies for both of them. There was only one vacancy, and he made his decision based on his criteria.

I have no earthly idea what could have possibly happened in two days to cause such an undeniably qualified candidate to turn down a seat on this commission. The fact that Mr Zachary applied for the Commission demonstrated that he was far from ambivalent about serving on the Commission. He didn't make the decision to apply for the Commission lightly, and I have no doubts that his decision to resign preemptively from the Commission was made any less lightly.

Now, the seat is vacant and the other applicant (Gerald Vekved) is the only applicant for that District 3 seat.

I'd make some smart-ass comment here, but this has me scratching my head.

'Nerd Out.