MOORPARK : Commissioner Won’t Seek Reappointment

After four years as chairman of the Moorpark Planning Commission, Michael Wesner said he has had enough.

Appointed to the post in 1990 by Mayor Paul Lawrason, Wesner said increased business at his private consulting firm precludes him from seeking another two-year appointment to the commission.

“The decision is based completely on new demands from my job,” he said.

In August, Wesner backed out of a bid to run for the City Council because of his job commitments, he said. A computer consultant for law firms, Wesner said he recently received an offer that requires him to spend about 60% of his time out of town.

“I just wouldn’t be able to attend the meetings every Monday night,” he said.

Appointments to the Planning Commission are made by the mayor upon recommendation by the City Council. At least four residents have submitted their names for the post, including onetime Councilwoman Eloise Brown. The city will accept applications until Friday.

“I expect we’ll make the appointments by the end of the month,” Lawrason said.

Planning commissioners select which member will serve as chair.

Wesner said he would not rule out a future bid for public office.

“It really totally depends on my private needs--my first priority is my family and then comes work,” he said. “I will remain involved at some level though.”