Long-time Planning Commissioner Bruce Emad submitted a letter of resignation effective April 30th, citing both personal and professional reasons, the county announced in a press release today. A call to Emad was not immediately returned.

His sudden resignation leaves an at-large vacancy on the commission, which is (still) in the midst of the county's General Plan Update. Here's the rest of the press release:

In his letter to the Board Commissioner Emad stated "Events beyond my control, in my personal as well as professional life, have made it impossible for me to devote the required time to my duties as a planning commissioner. This has been an extremely difficult decision for me, however, after much contemplation and consideration, unavoidable."

Commissioner Emad has served in an `at-large' position on the Humboldt County Planning Commission for 12 years, having first been appointed in 1999. He had recently been reappointed to another 4-year term in January. Emad expressed his great regret at his need to resign, and his appreciation for those that supported his recent reappointment.

Board of Supervisors Chair Mark Lovelace said "I'm very sorry to hear of Bruce's decision, but I understand that his reasons are entirely personal and it's beyond our ability to convince him to stay. I greatly appreciate his years of service to the people of Humboldt County, and I wish him all the best."

Emad's resignation creates a vacancy for an at-large position on the Planning Commission. The vacancy must be posted for a minimum of 10 days before a new appointment can be made.

Following some confusion with the previous appointment in January, the Board had directed staff to develop recommended protocols to help clarify the process. The Board is expected to receive a report from staff at its April 5th meeting, and may approve new protocols at that time. The Board is not expected to make a new appointment to the Planning Commission until after those protocols are in place.

The Clerk of the Board's office has a number of applications already on file. Persons wishing to apply may pick up applications at the Clerk's office in Room 111 of the County Courthouse, 825 5th Street in Eureka, or may call 476-2390 to have an application mailed to them. Applications must be filed with the Clerk of the Board Persons appointed to the Planning Commission are required to file an oath of office and a statement of economic interest as required by the Fair Political Practices Commission.