To the editor:
In Sunday's article, "Planners' acts draw criticism," Planning Commission Chairman Ron Durflinger is quoted as saying, "The elected body still makes the policy. If they don't like a recommendation we make, all they have to do is say no." Unfortunately, this is not true in every instance, including the one this article was about.
The planning commission rules on variances to the city and county subdivision regulations, and that decision goes no further. So even if the city or county commission disagrees with the planning commission decision, what recourse do they have for situations like this? The planning commission has just set new policy, and that is wrong.
Sunday's article also states, "Durflinger said planning commissioners deviate from policy when it makes sense." Excuse me? Under what authority is this "power" to deviate from policy vested in the planning commission? I certainly cannot find it in anywhere in our zoning ordinance, which is based on state law, or our subdivision regulations.
Thank you for pointing out in your Tuesday editorial, "Policy matters," that there are other methods planning commissioners could (and should) employ other than simply taking it upon themselves to revise policy if they believe the policy is failing. Our zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations state specifically the procedures to follow if a change is necessary. It would do the planning commission good to review these procedures.
Melinda Henderson,
Lawrence
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