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Council approves recommendation to appoint planning commission applicant, declines to require interview
Summary
The council accepted a boards-and-commissions committee recommendation to appoint a resident identified as Mr. Levine to the planning commission and voted to recommend him to the commission; the council did not require a formal interview before making the recommendation.
The Salem City Council on Sept. 8 voted to recommend Mr. Levine for appointment to the city’s Planning Commission, following a recommendation from the boards and commissions committee.
Councilor Linda Nishioka moved that the committee recommend Mr. Levine; City Attorney Dan Atchison clarified the committee’s recommendation was to forward Mr. Levine’s name to council for appointment. The motion was seconded by Councilor Gwynn and passed on a roll-call vote.
Councilor Matthews disclosed that Mr. Levine lives in his ward and that Mr. Levine contributed to his campaign; Matthews said this disclosure would not affect his vote. Councilor Barney urged the new appointee to be vigilant about potential conflicts of interest, including family ties, and reminded the council of the ethics guidance in the planning commission bylaws.
The motion did not include language requiring a council interview before appointment. Councilors noted that interview policies have varied over time and that the council has discretion on whether to hold interviews for commission nominees.
Votes at a glance: Motion to recommend Mr. Levine to the Planning Commission — mover: Councilor Linda Nishioka; second: Councilor Gwynn; outcome: approved (Ayes recorded by roll call).
