Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners confirm Tom Bailey to Planning Commission despite public objections
Summary
El Paso County approved the appointment of Tom Bailey to the Planning Commission as part of the consent calendar despite multiple public comments alleging prior advocacy on a contentious development and calling the appointment a conflict of interest.
El Paso County commissioners approved the consent calendar May 26, which included appointing Tom Bailey to the Planning Commission, despite several residents who spoke to oppose the appointment.
Lynette Priscetta told the board she opposed Bailey’s appointment, saying he had publicly advocated for the Carman Line annexation as a city council member and that his return to the planning panel could create an appearance of bias when similar proposals come before the county. "Appointing someone to that commission who has already publicly advocated for this specific development raises legitimate concerns about impartiality," she said.
Linda Drummond, another commenter, described Bailey as a developer and repeated concerns about his suitability for the commission.
Commissioner Williams acknowledged the concerns and suggested Bailey consider recusal from any future county review that touched on the Carman Line project. Other commissioners emphasized legal due process and said appointments and potential conflicts will be evaluated with the county attorney as required by law. The consent calendar — including Bailey’s appointment — passed on a 4-0 vote.
