For a group that’s prided itself on staying out of politics, the Planning Commission was stuck in the middle of it Thursday.
The nine-member group serves as a quasi-judicial body that reviews land use and zoning issues across the city. Also on the agenda was electing its slate of officers for 2015-16 — the point where outside politics had to be addressed.
Lisa King, the commission’s vice chair, this week was asked to resign by Mayor Lenny Curry. The mayor has asked for several resignations from members of boards and commission, citing the desire to fill them with people who share his vision.
King rejected the request, responding to Curry that the massive turnover on the board would slow the commission’s work and negatively impact future development. Along with King, Curry sought the resignations of commission members Lara Diettrich and Joey McKinnon. Diettrich has resigned; McKinnon hasn’t made his decision, yet.
With King and McKinnon still serving Thursday despite calls for their resignation, it complicated the election process.
Some members thought Chris Hagan, the commission’s current chair, should serve another year. It would offer stability in uncertain times.
By promoting King, it also could set up a situation where the commission’s leader might end up being replaced, said commissioner Nathan Day. Hagan noted it was a mayor’s prerogative to appoint who serves on boards.
Others thought King should still serve in leadership.
Commissioner Tony Robbins stressed the group isn’t political and became emotional when talking about King’s merits and dedication to the board. He proposed she be added to the slate of candidates for chair, which was seconded.
McKinnon noted that the commission shouldn’t react to potential legislation and should continue its business. King also held fast, saying she’s had no choice but to take this direction of opposition to her removal. She said her potential removal wouldn’t be a distraction for the group’s work.
Ultimately, the majority decided to back King. By a 5-3 vote, she was selected to serve as chair for the 2015-16 commission year. Those in favor were Jerry Friley III, Marvin Hill, King, McKinnon and Robbins. Commissioners Daniel Blanchard, Day and Hagan were in opposition.
In unanimous votes after, Hagan slid to vice chair while Blanchard was named secretary.
Despite the move, King and McKinnon’s roles with the board remain uncertain. Legislation has been filed to replace them and they’d each need 10 votes by council members to reject their replacements, in effect keeping the two on the board.
Several of Curry’s staff were seated in the front row for the meeting. Afterward, Curry spokeswoman Marsha Oliver said the replacement process would continue to move forward for four members of the board.
Day’s term expires at the end of the month.
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