Commissioners replace one planning-board member after debate over local representation

Lincoln County commissioners voted on Dec. 17 to appoint John Damon, Paul Johnson, Doug Frier and John Boyy to the county planning board, replacing incumbent Ernie Anderson after a short but pointed discussion about geographic representation and the planning board’s recommendation.

The debate began when commissioners read the planning board’s recommendations for reappointments and noted an additional application from John Boyy. One commissioner urged the board to consider Boyy’s recent engagement, saying he “has been very engaging in local as well as on the study commission” and that Boyy submitted a strong application supporting his candidacy. That commissioner moved to substitute Boyy for Ernie Anderson; another commissioner seconded the revised motion.

During discussion, commissioners focused on ensuring a balance of representation from the Troy area and neighboring districts. Commissioners noted that John Damon and Ernie Anderson both live in the Troy area and that any replacement should preserve geographic balance; the motion’s sponsor argued Boyy’s active service on the government-study commission and local engagement made him a suitable replacement.

After discussion the commission voted by voice to approve the revised slate — John Damon, Paul Johnson, Doug Frier and John Boyy — with Boyy taking the seat previously held by Ernie Anderson. No public commenters addressed the appointment during the vote.

The planning-board change leaves the county with one planning-seat turnover and continues the county’s broader process of filling multiple advisory-board vacancies. The commission did not provide a detailed timetable for when the next planning-board vacancy would be filled; commissioners noted terms are two years for these seats.