Escalon Council appoints Jenny Thompson to vacant planning commission seat

The Escalon City Council on March 12 appointed Jenny Thompson to a vacant seat on the city’s Planning Commission after interviewing four applicants.

Thompson, who told council she grew up in Escalon and later returned to raise a family, said she favors “controlled growth” and a focus on approving “quality projects that are going to improve the quality of life” for residents. Her remarks came during a round of interviews the council conducted after staff said four applications were received for one seat.

The council took nominations at the meeting. After a voice vote the council chair declared Thompson the appointee. Council remarks during the discussion praised all applicants and encouraged the others to reapply when future vacancies arise.

Council members asked candidates about past local planning decisions, handling political pressure and where they see Escalon in five to ten years. Thompson said she would generally follow zoning and planning rules if a proposed project met requirements, while also considering safety and aesthetics.

The council praised the applicant pool’s breadth of experience. A council member said later that the city manager had confirmed all applicants intended to attend the meeting, though one applicant (Zachary) was not present in person.

Thompson will fill the vacancy created earlier this year when a planning commissioner resigned after moving out of town. City staff had opened recruitment in January and February and scheduled interviews for the March meeting.

The council encouraged the applicants who were not selected to reapply for future openings and suggested they consider service on other advisory groups such as an economic development committee under consideration.

Votes at the meeting recorded that Thompson’s nomination carried; the chair announced the appointment after the affirmative voice vote and one council abstention.