The primary goal of the Planning Commissioners Journal has always been to help citizen planners — especially members of local planning and zoning boards — do their job better. But just what is the job of a planning commissioner?

Some of the keenest observations on the role planning commissioners play have — not surprisingly — come from commissioners themselves. Over the years, many planning board members have drawn on their own experiences in writing for the PCJ.

An Obligation to Contribute

“Recognize that you have an obligation to contribute to your planning and zoning meeting, even if you don’t have a set of initials following your name and can’t name the planner who laid out the streets of Paris. It’s not a ‘chance’ to contribute; it’s an ‘obligation’ by virtue of your appointment. Study any staff reports, maps, and the like, and come prepared to contribute. … Planning commissions are places for people who care and want to make a difference to their communities.” — Steven R. Burt, Sandy City, Utah

 Ask Questions

“Once appointed, don’t be reluctant to ask questions of other board members and the planning staff. The staff is there to assist and advise the board. At your board’s public meetings, ask questions. Other board members, or citizens in attendance, may have the same question in the back of their mind. The old adage ‘the only dumb question is the one not asked’ is true. — Stephen F. DeFeo, Jr., Methuen, Massachusetts {234}

 Think Before You Respond

“Think carefully before you respond to demands from citizens and developers. Often a salient issue will come to the attention of citizens before you, as a board member, have all the facts. Resist the urge to express your opinion until you are sure about where you stand on the issue.” — Cheryl R. Roberts, Huntersville, North Carolina {234}

Put Aside Your Own Biases

“Put personal preferences and prejudices aside to deliberate on technical issues and application merits, and be proactive to seek changes to local zoning laws where deficiencies have been identified.” — Louis Joyce, Alloway Twp., New Jersey {467}

“Try very hard to see both sides of an issue. It’s easy to vilify developers as uncaring, manipulative, and simply out to make a profit. But remember that it is not a crime to make a reasonable profit …  With this said, commissioners have a duty to protect the public, follow the general plan, and enforce the city code — and sometimes a project just does not conform to that mandate.” — Fedolia “Sparky” Harris, Elk Grove, California {467}