The Naming of City Planning Commissioners in Tustin
The appointment of city planning commissioners, seemingly a forthright process based on qualification and geographic distribution, does not happen in the real world. Appointments made for the recent Tustin Planning Commission correspond more to political power bases--in spite of any counterclaims.
The City Council initially agreed: each councilman would chose one commissioner.
The council majority reneged on this fair method and instead created a process where, hypothetically, three councilmen acting in concert could select all five planning commissioners and therefore any other selections of the councilmen would go for naught.
I am concerned that our city is continuing a “power clique” that does not fairly represent all city areas. I question that planning commissions formed in this manner can effectively serve the overall good.
My long-term goal is equitable government for all Tustin. Critical to this accomplishment is consolidation of city elections and annexations of outlying areas.
The majority on the council resist these measures since they fear that when a larger electorate is involved, they would lose their political power.
JOHN KELLY
Tustin
John Kelly is a Tustin city councilman.
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