Escondido council declares Planning Commission vacancy after disputed early removal notice

Escondido Mayor Dane M. White and the City Council voted to declare a vacancy on the Planning Commission following public comment from incumbent commissioner David Barber and discussion among council members.

Barber, who described the seat as his "third tour of duty" on the Planning Commission and said he had one year remaining on his term, asked council to explain why an early vacancy declaration had been proposed and requested courtesy and transparency. He said he had received letters of support from the Building Industry Association and a representative of the Board of Realtors and denied any misconduct.

Council members asked for the reasons behind the mayor's request. Mayor White said in public he would discuss details with Barber privately and that the vacancy declaration was intended to "bring the planning commission more in line with the vision of the city council," citing priorities discussed at a recent council workshop. Several council members said the matter was appropriate for private discussion with the commissioner rather than an extended public explanation.

After discussion, council moved to declare the vacancy. The motion passed with a 4-1 tally; Deputy Mayor Consuelo Martinez cast the only no vote. The council did not provide further public detail about the specific factors that prompted the early vacancy declaration during the meeting. Councilmembers said they would speak privately with Barber about the issue.

Barber had told the council he believed his performance on the commission was "extraordinary" and asked for clarification; one council member noted past instances where mayors have rebalanced the Planning Commission and described the mayor's nominations as within mayoral authority. No replacement was appointed at the meeting.