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With Lisa Matichak set to take a seat on the Mountain View City Council, her position on the city’s Environmental Planning Commission is likely going to one of her election rivals.
Lucas Ramirez, who currently serves on the city’s Human Relations Commission, was selected at the Tuesday, Nov. 29, meeting as the City Council’s pick for the soon-to-be-open seat. He was selected in a 6-1 vote with Councilman John McAlister opposed.
Council members praised all six applicants for the two openings on the commission. Those applicants were Parks and Recreation Commissioner Thida Cornes, architect Lee Mei, community development analyst Ariel Maria, economist Israel Romem and incumbent Planning Commissioner Robert Cox.
Cox was tapped for another term on the Environmental Planning Commission. The Nov. 29 action was the preliminary step in the appointment process; the council is expected to formalize its appointments at a meeting later this month.
Just curious, it looks like all the other applicants not selected had what looks to be good planning backgrounds: MBA, architect, development analyst, and economist. No offense to Lucas, but what formal background would he bring? Seems way too political to me. I guess his selection is based on his votes for the council seat.
@Ellen – Thanks for filling in more of the details of the decision. I hope Lucas can help the city with some of the current growing pains.
What I’ve seen of Lucas Ramirez suggests he is dangerously pro growth … build, build, build (reckless comes to mind). His appointment does not bode well for the quality of life for those of us who live in the North Bayshore / East Whisman side of town. I would have much preferred the balanced thoughtfulness of Thida Cornes.
@RoxieK – I sympathize with your problems. Most projects seem to go through without much thought to those that live around them. We have been enduring 3 years of construction a block away, and it’s not fun. Lucas is young and likely more flexible, so he might be more open to discussing impacts on others. Also, he seems to have time to spend on the city. It doesn’t seem like we get that much time even from some in the city council.
@David – I attended that Mountain View City Council Study Session where the councilmembers interviewed all the candidates. Indeed, all of them were highly qualified and the councilmembers expressed this. What made Lucas Ramirez stand out is that he has attended nearly every MV City Council meeting for 3 years. In that timeframe he has provided insightful analysis, comments, and questions about the business before the city to councilmembers and community members. His deep knowledge of the city and love for it stands out.