Planning Commission Will Get New Member

The proceedings sounded more like a testimonial for Planning Commissioner Stephen Holden than a vote to remove him from his position. But the City Council voted this week to do just that.

Councilman Tom Harman had appointed Holden, an insurance agent, to the seven-member commission two years ago but said he wants local dentist Gerald Chapman in the job now. Each of the seven council members has the right to appoint a commission member.

“I just want to make a change,” Harman said, adding that Chapman’s philosophies are closer to his own on growth and the environment than Holden’s are.

Harman asked Holden to resign so he could appoint Chapman, formerly his campaign manager. When Holden refused, Harman said, he was forced to ask the council to oust him.

Holden said Wednesday he would have preferred to stay, citing the benefits of his years of experience. He also said he and Harman had not discussed any philosophical differences but added: “I’ve been in politics long enough to know you can’t win all the battles.”

Councilwoman Shirley S. Dettloff expressed regret the vote came up, saying, “There has been no more honorable person in this position than Steve Holden.”

Mayor Ralph H. Bauer called Holden a longtime friend, and even Harman said he had “certainly nothing adverse” to say about Holden. But he thanked the council for its vote so he could change his appointee.

Chapman said he hopes to bring his perspective as a homeowner to the commission, which advises the council on such issues as city growth and land use. He said he also wants to ensure that developers are held to standards as high as those for private citizens.