letters

to the editor

Planning and zoning

To the editor:

Why are you on the Planning and Zoning Board? I’ve been asked this on more than one occasion. Presumably, for some people, a congeries of negative thoughts may be associated with planning and zoning issues.

My stock answers have always been, “It’s my way of volunteering and giving back to the community,” and “It does a person good to be a part of something that is bigger than yourself.” There are many ways a person can volunteer and give time to their community. The planning and zoning commission happens to be one of the outlets I have chosen for myself, though glamorous it is not and, quite honestly, at times it can be a little dull.

A few months back, I was asked along with others if we would be willing to serve another term because they were set to expire at the end of the year. All of us with terms expiring agreed. Planning and zoning director Emma Tajchman informed county commissioners and recommended reappointment.

In the past, these reappointments have been mere formalities. I must admit that I was a little disheartened to learn that my reappointment was not forthcoming and without a good explanation as to why.

As many of you may have read, commissioners Randy Dallke and Kent Becker were taken aback by the actions of commissioner Dianne Novak, as were several planning commission members who have served with me. I had a feeling of Novak disrespecting not only my time and energy put into planning commission meetings, but the planning commission as a whole. I had no prior knowledge of the actions she would be taking, and the explanations she gave at the meeting that were told to me seem lame at best.

Due to commissioner Novak’s lack of clarification of her decision, some community members have talked to me and offered a hypothesis. Could it be that some people or someone had disagreements with me over decisions that I had made on other boards that I have served on? Could these same people or person have been an influence on commissioner Novak’s decision not to reappoint me?

I truly hope this is nothing more than pure conjecture. This type of adolescent vindictiveness would be quite troubling.

I’d like to publicly thank Nick Kraus for his selfless act, and consider it very gracious of him to let me finish out his term. I can only hope I show the same character taking over his seat as he showed exiting from it.

Also, thank you to the staff of the planning and zoning department. Your initial recommendation for my reappointment and your kind words about my abilities is appreciated. Your department exemplifies professionalism and the county is being served well.

Thank you, commissioners Dalke and Becker, for adhering to the request of Mr. Kraus. I believe this shows your confidence that I can add value to the planning commission.

Thank you, David Colburn. I’ve always tried to practice good discernment of an issue and be a good listener — thanks for noticing.

Thank you to my fellow planning commission members. It’s been most enjoyable working with all of you in the past, as it will be in the future.

Lastly, I would truly like to welcome William Kroupa to the planning commission. I can say for a fact that he is a class act. If I were a county commissioner trying to fill a vacancy, he is definitely somebody I would consider. He will be a valuable asset to the board.

Jeff Bina
Marion