Letter to the Editor: Councilman's plans to remove planning commissioner

Dear Editor: 

We just got word that Councilman Alex Saab is beginning the process of removing one of our most outstanding planning commissioners, Jim Rodriguez, mid-term.

Although Rodriguez is doing an excellent job, the councilman said he wants to remove him to “give others an opportunity to serve”. That’s like saying let's recall a councilman so we can give “others an opportunity to serve”.

It just doesn’t make sense. It seems possible that the reason Mr. Saab is looking to make the unprecedented change is that commissioner Rodriguez was effectuating change that city staff didn't like. Although these had unanimous approval by the Planning Commission at its Oct. 4 meeting, the changes were ignored by the city.

The Planning Commission agreed to have city staff post a few items on Facebook that would open up a discussion among the community. We never saw those items get posted. Did the councilmen make efforts to support these community engagement efforts? We don't know. But the fact that his commissioner is asked to leave shortly after seems curious.  

We’ve never heard of a planning commissioner being replaced unless he missed meetings or maybe didn't live in his district. It seems unusual to do that mid-term, especially to a commissioner who has a positive history of dedication and commitment.

If we remember correctly, Rodriguez's passion, honesty, and work ethic were the very reasons Mr. Saab chose him to serve almost six years ago in the first place. A new appointee would barely have time to have any real effect on a position like that. We know that that position requires a lot of time to learn and deal with the legal and complex issues of city zoning and land issues things.

It just doesn't make sense to us and I hope that his being asked to leave isn't because Rodriguez sometimes opposes the city's ideas, like when he voted no on KB Homes and no on the go-go dancers and no on lot splits.

We think it's healthy and good to have diverse opinions and increased efforts to get our community more involved. When we voted for Mr. Saab six years ago we thought he did too.

Can someone please tell us why he would do this?

Ruben and Annie Rojes
Downey