Staff recommend two appointments to Planning Commission to improve geographic balance

Washington County staff recommended two candidates — Naina Carlson and James Just — to fill forthcoming vacancies on the Planning Commission, officials said during a work session.

Erin Wardell, assistant director of the Department of Land Use and Transportation (LUT), and Theresa Cherniak, principal community planner, told commissioners the county will have two vacancies at the end of next January: one seat vacated by Deborah Lockwood (term-limited after two four-year terms) and one unfilled seat left by Eric McClendon’s resignation.

Wardell said Carlson is recommended for the four-year seat expiring Jan. 30, 2029. Staff noted Carlson’s experience in utilities management, community and government affairs, real estate and other boards, and said she resides in a rural area in District 3 just outside the urban growth boundary.

Staff recommended James Just to serve the remaining three years of the other seat (term expiring Jan. 30, 2028). Wardell said Just brings 35 years of experience running a community-supported agriculture operation and lives in the rural area north of North Plains in District 4.

Wardell told the commissioners the county has a pool of 10 eligible candidates, with applicants from each commissioner district, and explained planning commission rules that limit having more than a certain number of members who are principally engaged in real estate development. Wardell said none of the recommended applicants are principally engaged in real estate sales or development, which helped staff recommend the two nominees.

Commissioners and staff discussed geographic balance on the commission — Wardell noted four current members live in District 2 after redistricting and recent moves — and said the recommendations are intended to expand geographic diversity. Staff said the formal appointments will be presented for board action on Jan. 21.

No formal vote was taken at the work session.