Two planning commissioners’ terms ended, but only one was reappointed

Two Manatee County planning commissioners faced term limits in October, but only one was reappointed.

Albert Horrigan Jr. and Matt Bower officially ended their four-year terms on the seven-person board on Oct. 14. Each had similar attendance rates, but on Thursday Manatee County Commissioners chose to keep Horrigan Jr. on for another term.

“I’ve enjoyed the last four years and I hope I’ve made a contribution to the community,” Horrigan Jr. said Thursday evening.

A retired real estate developer and broker, he said while the commissioners may not agree, they have the intention of making the best decisions for the county. Horrigan Jr. recently served as the board’s second vice chairman.

Commercial realtor H. David Roth will replace Bower.

Planning commissioners hear issues related to land use and make recommendations to the county commissioners on whether to approve or deny various projects based on their compatabilities to the land development code and comprehensive plan. Applicants don’t need specific training in certain fields, but considerations are weighed if a person has experience in planning, environmental science and the development industry.

“Of course I’m disappointed,” Bower said. “I hoped and thought I was doing good for the community.”

Bower, who had run for the District 3 seat on the county commission in 2016, added that he thought he brought a different voice onto the commission.

Roth works with ReMax and has previously served on the affordable housing committee. He said that he has wanted to be on the board for at least five years.

“I hope to be able to use that knowledge to allow things to occur in our county that benefit the public use,” Roth said, noting things like making decisions for housing and industrial uses for the public good.

Planning Commissioners Timothy Rhoades and John Delesline’s terms end in 2018; Chair William E. Conerly’s term will end in 2019; and Paul Rutledge and Mike Rahn’s terms end in 2020.

This story was originally published November 2, 2017 at 5:48 PM with the headline "Two planning commissioners’ terms ended, but only one was reappointed."