For the first time, the Christiansburg Town Council directed that a Planning Commission vacancy be advertised so interested individuals could apply. On Monday, these candidates were publicly vetted by the PC, which had been directed to provide council with a recommendation for this appointment.
The three candidates were:
Dan Canada, who was serving on the Planning Commission when appointed to Town Council in 2006. He subsequently dropped out of the May 2008 Town Council race due to family and business obligations.
Steve Huppert, whose term expires August 31 as his bid for re-election to Town Council in May 2008 was unsuccessful.
Meghan Dorsett, a former Montgomery County planner with extensive experience, education and professional certifications.
While the Town Council is responsible for the final decision in these types of appointments, a simple confirmation of the PC recommendation is expected.
As it became apparent Canada was the recommended candidate (replacing Jim vanHoozier who was shifting from PC to Town Council), longtime commissioner Bob Poff surprised the group when he confirmed he would not seek reappointment. His term also ends effective August 31.
This brings up other questions:
- What are the beginning and ending term dates for each current member of the Planning Commission?
- How many years have sitting members served on the commission?
Have appointees attended related training programs or pursued available planning / zoning certifications?
Are there any term limits?
What is the maximum or minimum number of commissioners allowed by law?
Why have reappointments traditionally been automatic, instead of soliciting interested applicants each time a term expires?
Will all future appointed vacancies be advertised for interested candidates to apply, and will the selection process continue to be done in a public venue?
A new pool of applicants is expected for this second vacancy on the Planning Commission, should the Town Council again direct the PC to advertise, interview and provide a recommended candidate. While on this subject, it may also be appropriate for council to discuss and answer these questions about past practices, and future processes or expectations.