COSTA MESA : 4 Commissioners Retained by Council

The City Council replaced Planning Commissioner Brian Theriot in the middle of his four-year term last week, while voting to retain the four other commissioners.

Mayor Mary Hornbuckle said there were “philosophical differences” between Theriot and some council members, but declined to elaborate. Theriot could not be reached for comment.

“The issue before the council was to bring together the best Planning Commission possible,” Hornbuckle said. “We were anxious not to have more polarization and to have the commissioners working well together.”

Theriot was replaced by John Palme, an employee of America West Marketing, a public relations firm that represents the fireworks industry.

The council’s decision to appoint Palme and retain the other commissioners came after interviews with 14 candidates, including the present members of the Planning Commission. The council, in asking the incumbents to submit their applications, wanted to review the current members on an equal basis with new applicants in the city, Hornbuckle said.

Palme and his wife, Nancy, have been active in community groups, including the recently formed Civic Assn. “We think he will be an intelligent, reasonable voice on the Planning Commission,” Hornbuckle said.

Commissioners Clarence Clarke, Walter Davenport, Joe Erickson and Michael Dunn retained their positions.