I am commenting on item 9 E1. I am only learning about this 6 minutes before public comment closes on this item. I object to this appointment because there should be a more democratic process to allow the review of other candidates. I believe there probably exists other candidates that are more qualified, more representative and more appropriate for this extremely important appointment.
Please postpone this appointment!
The recommendation to reappoint Jim McNamara to the TRPA Advisory Planning Commission is procedurally flawed and should not move forward. The County’s explanation—that the current position holder “wished to retain the seat”—is wholly inadequate and does not satisfy the County’s obligation to properly notice, open, and advertise this critically important appointment. At no point was the Incline Village/Crystal Bay community informed that the position was open or that applications were being accepted. This failure continues a troubling pattern in which IVCB residents are excluded from representation in decisions that directly affect them.
At the January 16 IVCB Community Forum, the former TRPA APC lay member (who lives in IVCB) confirmed that this was not the process used when she served. Additionally, another community member stated publicly that he applied for the APC position and has received no acknowledgment from the County. This individual is highly qualified, remains interested, and—unlike Mr. McNamara—is a full time IVCB resident. Someone who is accessible to our community and knows firsthand its needs is precisely the type of candidate who should be considered for this role. It is also worth noting that District 1 Commissioner Hill recently requested that the APC lay member serve as her TRPA governing board designee/alternate, further underscoring the importance of selecting the representative who knows about our unique environmental, public safety and housing needs.
For the sake of fairness, transparency, and public trust, this item must be removed from the agenda. The County should reopen the application process, properly notice it to the IVCB community, and evaluate all qualified applicants rather than rubber stamping an incumbent without due process.
I am commenting on item 9 E1. I am only learning about this 6 minutes before public comment closes on this item. I object to this appointment because there should be a more democratic process to allow the review of other candidates. I believe there probably exists other candidates that are more qualified, more representative and more appropriate for this extremely important appointment.
Please postpone this appointment!
The recommendation to reappoint Jim McNamara to the TRPA Advisory Planning Commission is procedurally flawed and should not move forward. The County’s explanation—that the current position holder “wished to retain the seat”—is wholly inadequate and does not satisfy the County’s obligation to properly notice, open, and advertise this critically important appointment. At no point was the Incline Village/Crystal Bay community informed that the position was open or that applications were being accepted. This failure continues a troubling pattern in which IVCB residents are excluded from representation in decisions that directly affect them.
At the January 16 IVCB Community Forum, the former TRPA APC lay member (who lives in IVCB) confirmed that this was not the process used when she served. Additionally, another community member stated publicly that he applied for the APC position and has received no acknowledgment from the County. This individual is highly qualified, remains interested, and—unlike Mr. McNamara—is a full time IVCB resident. Someone who is accessible to our community and knows firsthand its needs is precisely the type of candidate who should be considered for this role. It is also worth noting that District 1 Commissioner Hill recently requested that the APC lay member serve as her TRPA governing board designee/alternate, further underscoring the importance of selecting the representative who knows about our unique environmental, public safety and housing needs.
For the sake of fairness, transparency, and public trust, this item must be removed from the agenda. The County should reopen the application process, properly notice it to the IVCB community, and evaluate all qualified applicants rather than rubber stamping an incumbent without due process.