Full Text:

Deegan Resigns From P&Z

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

Long-time Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) member John Deegan of

Dodgingtown has resigned from the land use agency.

In an April 14 letter to the town clerk, Mr Deegan, a Republican, writes,

"Because of other commitments, it is with deep regret that effective

immediately I resign my position as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner. I can

no longer devote the time that the position requires.

"I've enjoyed working with all of the members and staff over the past 11-plus

years and extend my best wishes to all," he adds.

Mr Deegan served as P&Z chairman for eight years, until January 1996 when

former P&Z member Republican Stephen Adams was elected chairman. Mr Adams

resigned from the P&Z in September 1996, citing other commitments.

In the January 1996 P&Z officers' elections, Mr Deegan was named P&Z vice

chairman. Mr Deegan remained vice chairman until last summer when he stepped

down from that post, but stayed on as a regular member of the land use agency.

On April 9, P&Z members elected Republican Stephen Koch as the P&Z's new

chairman. Mr Koch replaces Republican John DeFilippe as the P&Z chief. Mr

DeFilippe resigned from the P&Z on March 27, citing other commitments.

The P&Z's current vice chairman is Republican Thomas Paisley. The current

secretary is Democrat Heidi Winslow.

Since last September, three Republican P&Z standing chairmen or former

chairmen have resigned from the land use agency - Mr Deegan, Mr DeFilippe, and

Mr Adams.

On April 10, the selectmen elevated Republican alternate P&Z member James

Boylan to a regular membership.

Mr Boylan's appointment as a regular member, coupled with Mr Deegan's

resignation, leaves two GOP vacancies on the land use panel - one regular

membership and one alternate membership.

When there is a full complement of members, the P&Z is composed of eight

members -five regular members and three alternate members.

The panel currently has posts for four regular GOP members and one alternate

GOP member, as well as seats for one Democratic regular member and one

Democratic alternate member.

All eight P&Z positions will be up for election in the November municipal

elections.

Candidates for election to regular seats run for four-year terms of office.

Candidates for alternate seats run for two-year terms.