HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0044.042 2020-2022 From: Lizzy Laliberty
Seat: Monday, January 04, 2021 11:56 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Statement from public on nomination for Z. Kern
Aloha Councilinembers,
Thank you very much for your time and attention. I am writing to express my OPPOSITION to Zendo Kern's
non-lination for head of the Planning Department. I oppose this nomination for several reasons. The first is his lack of
experience in any capacity as a planner. He ran a business but this doesn't constitute the 5 years min experience as
outlined in the county charter. To add to his lack of experience, Mr. Dern does not seem to have a college
degree. This is problematic because he would be managing a staff of planners among other highly skilled
professionals; some with Master's and PhDs. This is ludicrous, furthermore if Mr. Dern was to be appointed
Director he would cycle through the metaphorical `revolving door'; from private development consulting into a public
agency responsible for managing and regulating private development projects, among others. The revolving door is
one causal factor for the rampant corruption in Washington, and should not take root here. On a similar note ivlr. Kern
contributed $2,700.00 to Mitch Roth's campaign. This may not be an official ethics violation, but even so, the optics
clon't look good. For all these reasons I urge you to NOT approve Zendo Dern for Hawaii County Planning Director_
Thank you.
Elizabeth Laliberte
17
Q
C01-
Ref. Toe PIP0
Ref. Date ® ,5 2021