There’s an opening on the County Planning Commission

There’s an opening on the San Mateo County Planning Commission for someone from the district that includes the Coastside.

Supervisor Rich Gordon has announced that he will be accepting applications for the Third District seat on the San Mateo County Planning Commission.  The seat coming available is currently held by Commissioner Jon Silver, whose term recently expired after 12 years of dedicated service to the County.

"Jon Silver has been an outstanding public servant and his knowledge and experience will be missed," said Supervisor Gordon.  "I will be looking for a candidate who will have the same dedication that Jon has shown – one who understands the delicate balance of development and the environment in San Mateo County."

The Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing the County General Plan as well as the development regulations and making recommendations for their adoption to the County Board of Supervisors.  In addition to being a county-level advisory body, the Planning Commission reviews and votes upon various development permit approvals or denials issued by the County. A seat on the Commission is a tremendous opportunity to participate in shaping the ‘look and feel’ of San Mateo County, and to participate in the governance process on crucial level. The job is demanding, however, with bi-weekly meetings (on second and fourth Wednesday mornings of each month) and extensive review of proposals outside of meetings.

The Planning Commission position to be appointed would serve a term expiring on December 31, 2010.  Applicants must live within the boundaries of the Third Supervisorial District of San Mateo County.  Please see attached map for district boundaries.  Applications can be found on the County website at www.co.sanmateo.ca.us under the "Boards and Commissions" category.  Any applications must be received by Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 5 p.m.  For additional information please contact Supervisor Gordon’s office at (650) 363-4569.

District Three includes the incorporated areas of Atherton, Redwood Shores, Half Moon Bay, Pacifica, San Carlos, Portola Valley and Woodside; and the unincorporated areas of Devonshire, El Granada, Emerald Lake Hills, Harbor Industrial, La Honda, Ladera, Loma Mar, Los Trancos Woods/Vista Verde, Menlo Oaks, Montara/Moss Beach, Palomar Park, Pescadero, Princeton, San Gregorio, South Coast/Skyline, Sequoia Tract, Skylonda, Stanford Lands and West Menlo Park.