St. Joseph County appoints Nick Triola to redevelopment commission after public criticism of process

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved the appointment of Nick Triola to the county Redevelopment Commission at its Feb. 18 meeting, following public remarks that criticized the appointment process as insufficiently transparent.

Resident Dee Francis, who identified herself as living on Judy Lake Drive in Clay Township, told the commissioners she had observed the county council’s appointment process and said the public lacked information about candidates and the rationale for selections. "It makes us feel in the public that you want to keep things hidden from us," Francis said, urging greater openness about qualifications and reasons for appointments. Francis also noted the redevelopment commission oversees tax-increment financing and decisions involving substantial public funds.

President Baxmayer opened the floor for nominations and a commissioner nominated Nick Triola; the motion to approve Triola carried unanimously. Votes recorded during the approval were: Commissioner Hazen, aye; Commissioner Morton, aye; Commissioner Maxmeier, aye.

The Redevelopment Commission advises on economic development projects and oversight of tax-increment financing (TIF) districts; Francis said the commission "makes decisions on millions of dollars of public tax monies," and urged the board to publish candidate qualifications and interview rationales so the public can follow the process.

President Baxmayer told Francis the board would have "more to say about that after the meeting." The board did not provide additional detail at the session about any planned changes to posting or documentation of appointment deliberations.

The vote completes the appointment process for the open seat; the board did not record further debate or amendments to the appointment during the meeting.