The Board of County Commissioners has appointed a 10-year resident of the Fifth Plain Creek area to serve on the Planning Commission through 2017. Richard Bender will fill the position previously held by Jim Gizzi of Battle Ground.
Bender moved to Clark County from Lacey in 2004. He retired in 2009 after a lengthy career involving management of construction, facilities and technical sales. He holds bachelor’s degrees from San Jose State University in industrial engineering and business management, industrial psychology and industrial technology.
Commissioners said his diverse professional experience promises to be a great asset in providing input on important issues. “I am astonished by the number of highly qualified individuals willing to volunteer many, many hours in service to the community,” said Board Chair Tom Mielke.
The Planning Commission is a seven-member volunteer group that makes recommendations to the board on land-use planning, zoning and development in rural and other areas outside any city boundary. Topics include growth management, roads, public facilities plans, development regulations and county ordinances.
Other members of the commission are Ron Barca, John Blom, Karl Johnson, Steve Morasch, Eileen Quiring and Valerie Uskoski.
