TUSTIN : Council Votes Down Move to Oust Planner

An attempt to remove Planning Commissioner Al Baker from his post during the middle of a two-year term has failed to win the approval of the City Council.

In a 3-2 vote Monday, the council refused to remove Baker, who has served on the advisory panel for the past nine years. The commissioners are appointed by the council.

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Potts, who proposed Baker’s removal, said he wants to “give new people a chance on the commission.” Potts said the issue was length of service, and “had nothing to do” with Baker personally.

“I think it’s time for term limits” on commissioners, said Potts, who helped lead the fight to place a measure on this November’s ballot that would limit the terms of City Council members. Tustin voters will decide in November if council members should be limited to two consecutive terms or three consecutive terms.

Councilman Michael J. Doyle, who also voted for Baker’s ouster, said it was time for “new blood” on the commission.

Adamantly opposing Baker’s removal, however, was Councilman Jeffery M. Thomas. He apologized to Baker and said that debating the issue during a council meeting amounted to a “public caning.”

“This should not be happening,” said Thomas, who criticized Potts for putting the matter on the council agenda.

Mayor Thomas R. Saltarelli praised Baker’s service to the city and said his experience was needed during this “critical time in Tustin” when the city is facing issues such as the closure of the Marine Corps Air Station.

Councilwoman Tracy Worley also came out in support of Baker, saying that in the interest of fair play, Baker should be allowed to finish his term.

Baker said he was pleased that a majority of the council wanted him to remain on the commission for another year. “It’s a kind of a success,” he said. “Now it’s time to get to work.”