Citizen representative Sharon Travis resigns from Walworth County Land Conservation Committee

Sharon Travis has resigned from her citizen representative seat on the Walworth County Land Conservation Committee, committee members announced at the May 20 meeting.

Katie, land conservation staff, said she spoke with Travis after the March meeting and that Travis "for personal reasons, she is looking to resign from the committee. She just can't devote the the time and attention that she would like." Committee members said they will advertise the vacancy and accept applications to fill the seat.

Committee members discussed the appointment process and next steps. Chair Brian Holt said the committee traditionally submits appointment recommendations through the county administrator and that the committee can provide input to the county executive on candidates. "I believe the ordinance does require me to submit an appointment to executive," Holt said. Staff said the notice-of-intent form and applications are handled by the administrator's office.

Committee members also noted Travis has expressed interest in continuing to serve on the Honey Lake Lake District if that remains an option. The committee said it will publicly advertise the vacancy and encourage applicants with farming experience, which members said adds value to the committee's review of agricultural conservation issues.

Clarifying details: the committee did not vote to accept the resignation at the May 20 meeting; members discussed recruitment and the administrator-led appointment process, and staff said they would coordinate the advertisement and review of applications.