Why on earth would anyone volunteer to be a planning commissioner for Malibu? The hours are long, the meetings are tedious, you don’t get paid, and you really have no decision making power. But even worse, as now demonstrated by two of our city councilmembers, the very councilmember that appoints you will fire you in an instant if you don’t adhere to their political agenda.
I couldn’t begin to understand the politics that went on behind the firing of Planning Commissioners Deirdre Roney and Robert Adler last week, but here’s what I do know. I’ve personally known Deirdre Roney for the past five years and I know she is one of the smartest, most selfless, and caring people I have ever met. She is the last person on earth I would expect to do something that would jeopardize her position as a commissioner or that would possibly hurt the City of Malibu, or anyone else for that matter. I am appalled that Sharon Barovsky would so easily dismiss someone that is a true value to the City of Malibu and that has worked so hard for the commission.
I’d like to publicly thank Deirdre Roney for the work she put in as a planning commissioner. I don’t know Robert Adler or Richard Carrigan personally, but they deserve to be thanked for their time and willingness to serve our city as well. All three of these people should run for City Council.
Lisa Toledo