The Pasco County Commission has approved the reappointments of Jaime P. Girardi and Peter D. Hanzel to the Pasco County Planning Commission. Their term will end on Aug. 9, 2022.
They also have approved the appointment of Don Anderson to fill the vacancy created by the departure of former Planning Commissioner Michael Cox. The term for the seat ends on Aug. 9, 2021.
Girardi, of New Port Richey, is a civil engineer with more than 20 years of experience in that field. Since 2005, he has focused on private development, planning and design.
He has served on the Pasco County Planning Commission since 2015.
Hanzel, of Wesley Chapel, is retired from the U.S. Department of Justice.
He is a past member of the Pasco County Citizens Mobility Board, chairman of the Lexington Oaks Community Development District and a past member of the Lexington Oaks Homeowners Association board.
Anderson, the CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County, was among 19 applicants for the post.
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey made a motion to appoint Anderson, which was seconded by Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick.
In calling for Anderson’s appointment, Starkey said she thinks he “brings a really fresh perspective that’s needed to the commission.”
Zoning Administrator Denise Hernandez said the call for applicants for the volunteer post attracted considerable interest.
The pool of applicants was filled with people of varied backgrounds, including a retired employee of the Florida Department of Transportation, civil engineers, community association managers, retired Department of Justice employee, real estate investors, real estate appraisers, real estate brokers, mortgage brokers, folks that formerly served on planning and zoning commissions in other states, architects, folks that served in the public works commission in other states; one certified planner and a few contractors, Hernandez said.
That drew a reaction from Starkey, who asked if there is a way for the county can “find a way to let them have their voices heard.”
Commission Chairman Ron Oakley agreed with Starkey’s suggestion of finding other ways to encourage the applicants to be of service.
“We’re always looking for people to be involved,” Oakley said.
Hernandez said the application did inquire whether applicants would be willing to help in another capacity and many of the applicants said they would.
Published May 05, 2021
