Commission vote fails on mayor's planning commission nominee after public dispute over process

A resolution to appoint Timothy Linderfeld to the Hawkins County Planning Commission failed on Jan. 27 after commissioners and members of the public raised objections about the nomination and the process used by the mayor.

County Mayor Mark DeWitt presented a slate of Planning Commission appointments, including Timothy Linderfeld for District 2. Commissioner Roach moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Gibson seconded. A motion was made to divide the question to allow separate consideration of the District 2 nominee and was seconded.

Members of the public urged the commission to consider Randy Patterson, who addressed the body during public comment and said he was willing to interview and provide information to the mayor’s office. "I would be glad to come to the Mayor's Office and sit down and do an interview to full extent," Patterson told the commission when offered an opportunity to speak. He also said he had attempted to contact a commissioner prior to the meeting and had not received a timely response.

Commissioners discussed the legal limits of the nomination process. Some commissioners said the mayor has statutory authority to nominate, and the commission's role was to approve or disapprove. Others objected to the lack of local input on the nominee and said candidates with development experience—some commissioners cited Patterson's development background—would add value to the Planning Commission.

When the commission voted, the motion to approve the mayor's slate (as presented) failed on the record, 5 yes, 8 no, 1 abstain. Commissioners announced they would seek a new nominee and return with another nomination next month.

The failure leaves the District 2 seat vacant until the mayor re-submits a nomination and the commission votes again.