Three vacancies will be filled for the city’s Planning Commission at the end of June, a significant number of open seats on one of Healdsburg’s most important citizen commissions. It’s not quite as dramatic as it sounds—commissioners Conor McKay, Phil Luks and Jonathan Pearlman—are ending their four-year terms this month.
The deadline to file is at the end of Thursday, June 4.
Each of the three has proven to be a key, sometimes persuasive voice on the commission. McKay is its current chair, and Luks has served in that role several times. Though Pearlman has not yet occupied the central seat, he has not been a silent member of the commission and has frequently taken opposing stands.
One thing is for certain at this point: At least one of them will not be seeking reappointment. “I would be almost 87 if I served another full term. Healdsburg’s future should be planned by someone younger,” Luks said.
Pearlman, who has not been chair, confirmed he has reapplied for the seat. The council selected him to fill the seat vacated by Vesna Breznikar, who served as a commissioner for six years.
Current chair McKay, who by coincidence serves as a senior planner with Sonoma County, also confirmed he will also apply for reappointment. He first gained a seat in February 2021, also by replacement, and was selected for a four-year term in 2022.
That means there’s one confirmed opening for the seven-member Planning Commission. Applications are available from City Clerk Raina Allan, ra****@********rg.gov, or online at healdsburg.gov/177/Boards-Commissions. All completed applications must be submitted to the city clerk by 5:30pm, Thursday, June 4.
