LAKEPORT — After 12 years on the job, District 4 Planning Commissioner Cliff Swetnam announced his retirement Thursday morning, effective at the end of the year.
“I”ve done my public service. Now I want to enjoy life a bit,” he said.
Swetnam, 65, and his wife moved to Lake County in 1999 following his 28-year career with the Alameda County Sheriff”s Office. Within a few months, Swetnam said he was persuaded to join the Lake County Sheriff”s Office, where he worked as a court bailiff for 10 years until retiring in 2009.
Swetnam said he first became fascinated with Lake County and its layout during a fishing trip when he was a junior in high school.
“I said, ”This place is designed funny.” You could have a house next to a business next to a tavern,” he said. “There was no rhyme or reason why things were where they were.”
When Supervisor Anthony Farrington was elected to his first term in 2000, Farrington advertised for a planning commissioner for his district.
“I talked to my wife and said ”maybe it”s time to put my money where my mouth is,”” he said, adding he was “the most surprised person in the world” when Farrington chose him to be on the commission, beginning in January 2001.
“It”s been a learning process ever since,” he said.
He enjoyed the work so much that he joined the California County Planning Commissioners Association, an organization that assists commissioners to better perform their duties. A career highlight came in 2008, when he won the California Planning Commissioner of the Year award after he was nominated in secret.
“I was so honored,” he said.
After encountering health issues that are now stabile, Swetnam said it was time to step away from public service and “time to change to personal enjoyment.”
Robert Bridges, senior deputy county counsel, said Swetnam had one of the longest tenures on the commission.
“He is the torch bearer of good, consistent planning,” Bridges said.
Farrington said he understood Swetnam”s decision to retire.
“He”s at a point where he wants to enjoy his life,” Farrington said. “He”s had a lifetime dedication to public service. Both my office and the Board of Supervisors owe him a debt of gratitude. I”m happy for him.”
Farrington said he does not have plans to replace Swetnam currently, but may begin recruiting around November.
