A failed Douglas County Commission candidate is set to be appointed to the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission, sparking criticism from the county commissioner who thwarted her independent campaign for his seat.

Lawrence Mayor Mike Rundle has nominated Marguerite Ermeling for a two-year term to the planning commission. In the Nov. 2 election, Ermeling, a longtime Lawrence veterinarian, lost a bid to unseat Republican Jere McElhaney from the Douglas County Commission.

But Rundle said he liked what he heard from Ermeling during the campaign. And he said the fact Ermeling was a rural resident in tune with the city’s growth issues was a factor in his appointment.

“I think we’re at the point that (rural and urban interests) really have to start cooperating better,” Rundle said. “And I know from the campaign that she has been doing the studying on the issues and has the time to put into this.”

Ermeling’s opponent in the election, though, blasted Rundle’s decision.

McElhaney said Ermeling’s appointment would make the planning commission more political in nature. He also said he was concerned about a potential conflict of interest because Planning Commission Chairman John Haase was a large financial contributor to Ermeling’s campaign.

“I think this is just some sort of political payoff,” McElhaney said. “Whenever Haase needs a vote, he’ll be able to look down the table and nod his head at Marguerite.”

Ermeling said that would not be the case.

“I consider myself an independent and hold myself near and dear to that philosophy,” Ermeling said. “I guarantee you that I will think for myself.”

Haase also dismissed McElhaney’s concerns, calling them “silly.”

“Obviously, Jere ought to get to know Marguerite,” Haase said. “In addition to being very bright and competent, she’s also very independent.”

Ermeling said she was interested in becoming a planning commissioner because she had studied many of the issues the planning board dealt with as part of her campaign, which was unaffiliated with any political party.

“I’m a firm believer in a community approach to planning,” Ermeling said. “I think the driving force behind the expansion of a community should be how the community sees itself growing, rather than someone grabbing land and deciding they want to grow there. That isn’t cost-effective development.”

The Planning Commission has perhaps the highest profile among city and county appointed boards and commissions. Its 10 members — five appointed by the Douglas County Commission, the other five appointed by the Lawrence City Commission — review plans for development and redevelopment in Lawrence and rural Douglas County.

City commissioners will consider confirming Ermeling’s appointment at their meeting at 6:35 tonight at City Hall, Sixth and Massachusetts streets.

Ermeling would replace Bonnie Johnson, who last month resigned her seat on the commission.