Lessons From Nine Years on a Zoning Board
by Douglas C. Hageman
Reciting the pledge. Explaining procedures. Being prepared. Returning phone calls. Insights on why these things are important from a longtime zoning board member.
Read first few paragraphs of article:
Ten years ago I was told that I might be offered a seat on our local zoning board of appeals in Southington, Connecticut.
But before I could be appointed, I'd have to pass muster of the City Council Chair, who happened to belong to the other political party. She was pleasant enough, but had some concerns regarding my knowledge of zoning. Before agreeing to my appointment she made me promise to seek out private planners, land use attorneys, and spend time wiht the town planner learning the job. She also made me promise never to be rude to the public, regardless of their attitude. ...
Over the next nine years, about half of which I've served as Chairman, I learned a lot, made some mistakes, and developed a few insights.
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