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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0044.082 2020-2022 1 From: Nancy Carr Smith Seat: Thursday, January 14, 2021 8:45 PM To: Council Testimony Cc: Kimball, Heather; Chung, Aaron; Lee Loy, Sue; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; 3 David, Maile; Viliegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Richards, Tim CLERK Subject: Testimony in support of Zendo Kern for Planning Director CO �� i COUNTY OF HAWAI1I RECEIVED Time :� Aloha Council Chair David, Planning Chair Kierkiewicz, and Councilmembers, Dat"-IML4 1 I am writing to you again,to ask that you support the confirmation Zendo Kern as Planning Director. I submitted testimony prior to the first hearing, and here I am again with even more vigor asking that you work together and support this appointment. The process that Mayor Roth went through in determining his picks for these key Director positions,was very inclusive of the entire island, and of all of the applicants who perhaps had more experience, the panel chose Mr. Kern as the best applicant, and the Mayor agreed. You should have respect for that process and allow the Mayor to work with the people that he selects. Our island needs you to come together and work as a team.This east side/west side thing is embarrassing to watch. When you folks originally ran for your seat on Council, were you the best qualified person on the island for the job? Likely no,you wanted to run for office. You didn't know the entire job of being a Council person did you?You learned through doing the job,just like many people do. I ask you to stop being nasty, stop being resistant for the sake of being resistant. It's not a pretty sight. Stand up and do the right thing. I have seen Mr. Kern at the Planning Commission level and have been impressed with how he has handled himself. I found him to be reasonable,fair and steady. I believe that his experience representing clients in planning projects will be beneficial in his role as Planning Director. He cares about this island, it is, and always has been his home. I feel that he will be an excellent Director who wants to do what's best for the entire island. I was disheartened to read the complaints about him, and I wanted to add my perspective and support his confirmation. Having someone younger with a different perspective is a good thing, and I support the Mayor, his interview panel,and Mr. Kern for their commitment to this important County position. Thank you for confirming Zendo Kern as Planning Director. Nancy Carr Smith Former Chair and current member Leeward Planning Commission Former Chair and member Board of Appeals Former Member South Kohala CDP AC Secretary Waimea Community Association Co-coordinator Big Island Giving Tree Business owner and real estate broker of over 30 years Nancy Carr Smith, Realtor RB18104 Owner and Principal Broker Aloha Kohala Realty h.. Kamuela, HI 96743 Comm. o Ref.T C G 1 Ref. Date JAN 1 c nan ........... cg r.r,i com . .. ..... ..................... ........... ..