Bluff planning and zoning interviews Tom Heiserot for open commission seat

The Bluff Planning and Zoning Commission interviewed Tom Heiserot on June 18 as part of a short work session to fill an open commission seat. Commissioners asked Heiserot about his qualifications, what issues he would prioritize and whether he could meet the volunteer time commitment required by the role.

Heiserot told the commission he has lived in Bluff for 11 years and has spent many summers in the area over the past 30 to 40 years. "I fell in love with the area," he said, adding that he bought a house and wants to "pay it back" by serving on the commission. He described himself as patient and pragmatic and noted that, because he is not connected to town water or a town street, he believes he can be objective about certain local issues.

When asked what issues he would address if appointed, Heiserot pointed to several visibly neglected or apparently abandoned dwellings around town and said he would like to see them cleaned up or removed, while acknowledging planning and zoning’s limits in some enforcement areas. On resolving conflicts, he described accompanying a nervous first-year teacher to a meeting with parents to set a productive tone: "I offered to attend the meeting with her because I could tell she was really nervous about it," he said.

Commissioners confirmed the voluntary role requires one to four hours per week; Heiserot, who said he is retired, told them he can make that commitment and has experience using word-processing software and managing a school yearbook project on a computer.

The commission did not vote at the work session. The chair told Heiserot the panel would discuss the interview individually and, if they decide to recommend him, the recommendation would be forwarded to the town council for approval at the commission’s next meeting on July 2. "We don't vote at work session meetings," the chair said. "We'll discuss it amongst ourselves ... and then we will vote at our next meeting on July 2."