Five candidates vying for a seat on the Clearlake Planning Commission were asked to return on Thursday, Aug. 10 for the next regular meeting of the Clearlake City Council. Following about an hour-long question and answer session, each of the three city council members present for the July 27 meeting rendered a vote for a different person and concluded that the decision should be made with the inclusion of an additional council person.
Although three applicants received a vote for the appointment on Thursday night, all five candidates were invited back for the Aug. 10 meeting. Those vying for the position include Gene Schwartz, Gina Fortino-Dickson, Albert Bernal, Arlene Carter and Aqeela El-Amin Bakheit.
Prior to voting, council members posed questions to the applicants. Each applicant was given the opportunity to answer each of the questions individually before the panel, which included Mayor Joyce Overton, Vice Mayor Judy Thein and Councilmember Curt Giambruno.
Questions presented by the council concerned the role and responsibilities of a planning commissioner; the purpose of the planning commission; and visions for future growth of the city. Other questions regarding individual characteristics in relation to the ability to render decisions; individual approach to enforcing the city”s Municipal Codes and the ability to use common sense while staying in line with the law; and the candidate”s ability to work as a team player were also presented.
Following the interview session, votes were cast for Schwartz, Fortino-Dickson and Bernal, respectively. In light of the council sitting only as three, consensus was to continue the item to the Aug. 10 regular meeting in order to allow for the presence of an additional councilmember. Councilmember Bob Malley is expected to attend; however, Councilmember Peggy Smith was recently hospitalized and it was unclear at presstime whether or not she will be well enough to attend the next regularly scheduled meeting of the city council.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
