SEQUIM — An attempt to convince Sequim Planning Commission Chairman Larry Freedman to resign has failed, and Sequim City Council’s new members’ attempts to push through a series of slow-growth initiatives haven’t fared much better, so far.
Freedman, a developer, told council members at their meeting Monday that he had been invited to a meeting with Mayor Laura Dubois last week and was handed a resignation statement.
“It’s time for you to move on,” Freedman quoted Dubois as saying.
However, Freedman stated, “I intend to complete my term in office and resist any attempt to remove me from office.”
“I was just asking. I was not demanding,” Dubois responded when challenged by Councilman Paul McHugh about the incident.
“Who else is targeted, Laura?” McHugh asked.
“Who else is scheduled for appointments with you?”
“No one,” she answered.
Planning commissioners are appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council.
“Only the council can remove them from office, and that means the entire council,” said City Manager Bill Elliott on Tuesday.
“There has to be a vote to remove somebody.”
Planning commissioners serve four-year terms.
The Planning Commission is charged with maintaining the city’s comprehensive plan and advising the City Council on amendments to the plan.
