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Rivanna District planning commission appointment sparks disagreement after supervisors reject lake community nominee
Summary
A contested appointment to the county planning commission drew public comment and supervisor debate after the board rejected a Lake Monticello resident’s nomination and later appointed another candidate. Supporters of the first candidate said the decision ignored the district representative's preference.
A contested appointment to the Fluvanna County Planning Commission drew public comment and supervisor debate at the March 19 meeting.
What happened: The board considered three applicants for the Ravenna (Lake Monticello) planning commission seat. Gary D. Selleck, a Lake Monticello Owners Association (LMOA) board member, applied and was put forward by some speakers as the district’s preferred representative. The board’s first motion to appoint Mr. Selleck failed on a 3–2 vote. The board then appointed another applicant, Robert Dorsey, to the planning commission by a unanimous vote.
Public reaction and board comments: Members of the Lake Monticello community criticized the board’s initial vote during public comment, saying the district’s electors and the Ravana district supervisor had expected the nominee to be appointed. Supervisors said they weighed multiple qualifications and recommended candidates after planning commission interviews. The chair certified the roll call on the two motions: the Selleck nomination failed; the Dorsey appointment passed.
Why it matters: Planning commission appointments determine who reviews rezoning, development and land‑use matters and are particularly sensitive in districts with lakeside, rural and growth‑area tensions. Several public commenters urged the board to respect district preferences; others said the board must use discretion in selecting a commissioner who can work countywide.
The board did not amend commission membership at the meeting; the new appointee will serve the term stated at the meeting.
