HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0044.015 2020-2022 I
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From: Joel Cooperson
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2021 8:47 AM
To: Council Testimony 1
Subject: Opposition to Zendo Kero becoming Planning Director
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Aloha County Council members. My name is Joel Cooperson. i am a 52 year resident of Kona, Hawaii. I am a retired
7-8 grade public school teacher here in Kona. As you can imagine, I have seen quite a bit here in Kona over the last
52 years. Some good. Some not good.
When I read that Mayor Roth was appointing Zendo Kern as Planning Director, I was shocked and extremely
disappointed for the following reasons.
Mr. Kern has zero professional training to be in an objective position that so impacts our community. He has no
objective experience in West Hawaii. He is a hired gun. His job is to represent developers for which he gets paid. The
best example that I can give is he's like putting the fox in charge of the chicken coop. In my mind, based on his I
previous work and developer connections, he's never going to be objective and truly represent the residents of Hawaii.
And when he finishes his stint as Planning Director and based on his allegiance to developers, he'll become a well
paid lobbyist.
It is very difficult to imagine Mayor Roth even considering this man as Planning Director. There are so many well
qualified individuals out there and for Mayor Roth to select Mr. Kern is a mystery.
I implore those who have input on this decision to reconsider and do what is best for our West Hawaii community.
Mr. Kern's appointment is not what's best for us. Please reject his appointment.
Very best regards.
Joel Cooperson
l,�ailua-Kona Hawaii.
Coram No
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Date—JAN 5 2