LAKEPORT — After 11 years on the Lake County Planning Commission, former chairman Gary Briggs sat in on his last meeting Thursday as he”s moving one block out of his district.
“I”m really disappointed because I”ve enjoyed it very much,” Briggs said. “If it wasn”t because of the economy, I wouldn”t be leaving.”
Briggs stepped down from the commission Thursday because he”s moving one block out of District 2 in Clearlake into the fringe of District 1 that represents Lower Lake, Hidden Valley and Middletown. Because of the economic downturn, he said he”s been forced to rent out his Clearlake house and move into a different unit.
He said the economy is the only reason he”s leaving the commission.
“I”ve really enjoyed it,” Briggs said. “I think I”ve been able to make a difference in some areas.”
Commissioner Cliff Swetnam thanked Briggs during the meeting for his help.
“It”s been a pleasure, Gary, working with you,” Swetnam said.
Swetnam said Briggs” real estate knowledge greatly helped the commission.
“You were a valuable part of this commission for the 10 years I”ve been working with you,” Swetnam said.
“He has really been a good help to me since I”ve come to the board, I”ve leaned on him,” Commissioner Michael van der Boon said.
Senior deputy county counsel Robert Bridges said Briggs” memory and consistency helped the commission to make legal decisions.
“Consistency is extremely important because it avoids charges of discrimination,” Bridges said.
“Thank you, I feel much better now,” Briggs responded.
Briggs moved to Lake County 16 years ago. He was involved with Supervisor Jeff Smith”s campaign and because their policies aligned, Smith appointed Briggs to the Planning Commission.
During Briggs” public service career he served on the Clear Lake Advisory Subcommittee, the Economic Development Committee for the City of Clearlake and was president of the Chamber of Commerce.
Briggs said his service on the Planning Commission is likely the last public commission he will join.
He thinks the commission”s role is to sit between the public and government and county staff to “keep a sense of reason of what”s going on, to be able to use common sense.”
He will continue to work in his real estate office in Clearlake, Lake Realty, he said.
“I”m kind of sad,” Briggs said. “I”m definitely going to miss it.”
Briggs may come to commission meetings to watch a few items, he said.
“I”m still going to be involved in the community and the things that affect our district especially,” he said.
Contact Katy Sweeny at kdsweeny@gmail.com or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
