NEW PLANNING DEP'T HEAD TAKES REIGNS
Monday, July 17th, 2006 -- 12:30 PM
--With the controversial comprehensive plan now in the past, the new head of the Clark County Planning and Zoning Department hopes to use his local ties to ease tensions between the department and the public.While Jay Shambeau remains in the office until Friday, Steve Kunze officially takes over the reigns of the department today.
The Neillsville native worked for Ayres Engineering as an on-site waste water treatment system designer and soil scientist, before coming to the Planning and Zoning Department in May 2000?
?It?s a challenge,? Kunze concedes. ?I feel the lightning rod was primarily directed at the planning process. The County Board has passed judgment on that.?
?I would expect, at this time, it's not a significant issue to most people in Clark County,? Kunze says.
Kunze says he has no intention to advocate for a revival of the failed Year 2025 Comprehensive Plan, and will only direct planning if directed by the department?s oversight committee.
?If we're give a directive to take the planning process, we?ll certainly respond to that. We're not going to probably initiate it ? that?s not what my job is.?
He also hopes a local roots might help diffuse further controversy with Clark County residents.
?At first blush, people are familiar with our family name,? Kunze explains. ?The fact (I) have some connections in the community with people that, perhaps, don?t agree with certain politics or directions the department has gone, it's helping because you can discuss things you agree on, before you discuss things you disagree with.?
Kunze believes Planning and Zoning should continue to carry out its mandate to implement the state's Private On-site Wastewater Treatment program, continue to monitor the state legislature for changes in shoreland zoning rules and, yes, assist in planning.
?We?ll consider to do those,? Kunze says. ?Obviously, comprehensive planning has been part of the direction of this department for as long as the department has been in existence.?
?When so directed, I would expect we?d continue to take on planning projects.?
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.