The Grand County Planning Commission on Nov. 10 conducted abbreviated interviews of 13 applicants for three upcoming vacancies and voted to forward a ranked recommendation to the Grand County Commission.

Chair Tony outlined a shortened process — two questions, three minutes per candidate — and staff read the commission bylaws governing vacancies, interviews and public deliberation. Candidates who appeared and spoke included Kevin Bowden, Randy Day, Mary Hoffine, Aaron Holland, Lynn Jackson, Sarah Kimberly, Scott McFarlane, Samuel Newman, Preston Paxman and others; two applicants did not provide an interview on site and one withdrew.

Commissioners then held an open deliberation in public and each elevated three candidates. Tallying by planning staff produced the ranked list led by Mary Hoffine (5 votes), Samuel Newman (4) and Lynn Jackson (3); Scott McFarland and Randy Day received two votes each, and Aaron Holland and Sarah Kimberly received one each. The commission moved and seconded a motion to recommend the ranked slate to the County Commission; the motion passed and the recommendation will be transmitted for the County Commission’s consideration.

During the interviews and deliberation commissioners emphasized time availability, institutional knowledge and practical experience as key selection criteria. Mary Hoffine emphasized her zoning-administration background and long service drafting the county’s land-use code; Samuel Newman cited hands-on affordable-housing and construction experience; Lynn Jackson emphasized broad planning experience including prior county commission service and work with the Bureau of Land Management.

The commission followed an open, public process and reminded members and applicants that deliberations and votes must remain transparent under the bylaws. The County Commission will receive the recommendation at its next available agenda.

The planning commission also clarified procedure for candidates who submitted videos: interviews submitted after the meeting will not be considered in the deliberations conducted that night.