What is normally a routine matter with little discussion erupted in fireworks at the Yucca Valley Town Council meeting last night. Bob Leone’s nomination of Curt Duffy as his representative on the Planning Commission was met with deafening silence, as no one on the Council seconded his motion. Managing editor Tami Roleff explains what happened next…
“It very much gives the appearance, while maybe not illegal, but improper, and of political favoritism, that those picks were done before any applications were advertised or brought forward for discussion.” Council member George Huntington joined Dawn Rowe in disapproving of Bob Leone’s choice of Curt Duffy for planning commissioner. “I know that he is a short-time resident in the community, having lived here for about 2 ½ years or so. I think that has some bearing on his knowledge of the community.” During public comment, Duffy responded to Huntington. “The first day I set my foot in this town, I am a resident of Yucca Valley. I pay my taxes. There is no qualification for the number of days I have to spend to be inducted. You need to take that back and apologize to everyone in here who’s been here less than you.” Leone’s nomination of Lori Herbel as a member of the Park and Rec Commission received a second, but before it could be voted on, the motion was changed. Current commissioner Michael Hildebrand will be retained on the planning commission, but Jennifer Collins, who serves on the Park and Rec commission, will be removed, leaving the seat vacant for now.
YUCCA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL REFUSES TO APPROVE COUNCILMAN LEONE’S APPOINTMENTS
