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Council interviews four candidates for Washington City planning commission
Summary
Washington City leaders heard brief presentations from four applicants for the planning commission on Aug. 27, 2025; Mayor Staley said he will seek council advice before making appointments in September.
Four candidates seeking appointment to Washington City’s planning commission introduced themselves to the City Council and answered questions at the Aug. 27, 2025, meeting as part of the mayor’s vetting process ahead of eventual appointments.
Mayor Crest Staley said the planning commission is the city’s land‑use body and that he would take council advice before making appointments; he did not make any appointment at the meeting and expects to act in September.
Applicants and highlights from their remarks and background:
- Michael Bauhaus (introduced as Michael; former local elected official and college president) described prior service on a city council, two years on a planning commission and a career as a technical‑college president overseeing numerous programs and staff. He emphasized listening and public service experience.
- Linda Bushman, a retired school librarian with a master’s degree in instructional technology, said she served on Lehi’s planning and zoning commission and board of adjustments. She noted familiarity with municipal codes and said education and listening are central to her approach.
- Gary Hicken, a retired law‑enforcement chief with decades of service, said his experience attending council meetings and reviewing public‑safety impacts on land use would inform his approach. He emphasized servant‑leadership and problem‑solving.
- James (last name not specified in the record), a Washington City native with experience founding and running charter schools and an education company, told the council he is motivated by place‑making and intentional design and said he would learn technical planning standards while bringing a background in systems and community engagement.
Council members asked about candidates’ planning experience, past challenges and approaches to public input and housing. Several council members praised the pool of applicants and told the candidates the mayor would seek council input before making appointments.
The council did not vote or appoint commissioners on Aug. 27; Mayor Staley said he will consider council advice and make appointments in September.
