Council members express concerns about Planning Commission membership

In a message posted to the City Council Message Board, Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo and Council members Alison Alter, Ora Houston and Leslie Pool reiterated their belief that the Planning Commission’s current membership violates the city charter because too many of the members have “direct or indirect” links to the real estate or land development industry. They also highlighted their votes against a resolution approved by Council last week that they said “fails to address the critical issue of ensuring compliance with our City Charter.” They asserted that Council must approve a measure that both defines what type of profession qualifies as a “direct or indirect” interest with land development and includes a mechanism for removing the necessary number of commissioners. If it doesn’t, they argued, “Councils will continue to be in violation.” They concluded: “We believe in this key Charter protection and will continue to advocate for its enforcement.”