Ploppert Joins HPC; Aldermen Question Appointment Process

Zachary Ploppert's appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission raised some eyebrows Monday night, as well as some questions about the mayoral appointment process for city of Geneva commissions, boards and committees.

Ploppert, a two-time candidate for 1st Ward alderman, was one of two appointees named to the HPC. Geri Soderberg's appointment was approved unanimously; Ploppert's appointment passed in an 8-2 vote, with Bruno and 4th Ward Alderman Dorothy Flanagan voting nay.

Mike Bruno, who won the 1st Ward seat in April, questioned whether his former opponent was the right choice for the HPC, in part because of Ploppert's stated positions on historic preservation issues during the campaign.

"It just seemed odd to me (that Ploppert was chosen) out of the available candidates, many of whom seemed well-qualified—particularly practicing architects, (who) I think are easily the most valuable people on there."

Bruno was a member of the HPC but had to resign the post when he became alderman. Ironically, Ploppert—who had campaigned against Bruno on the issue of historic preservation—will succeed him as part of the recommending body.

In his campaign questionnaire on Geneva Patch, Ploppert said he is trying "to limit and redefine" the powers of the commission.

"The current commission, including my opponent, has sided way too often against the residents of the 1st Ward and their personal property rights," Ploppert wrote.

Bruno said Monday night that he felt Ploppert "initially comes in with something of an agenda."

He also suggested that, because the HPC is an advisory body, its members should be advocates of historic preservation. Fifth Ward Alderman Craig Maladra said he also was a bit surprised by Ploppert's appointment, but considered that having a range of opinions on the HPC might be healthy.

Mayor Kevin Burns agreed, saying the wider the range of viewpoints, "the less group-think we have."

Aldermen had previously questioned the mayoral appointment process, most recently when Tom Simonian was appointed to fill the vacancy created when unopposed incumbent 5th Ward Alderman Ralph Dantino died prior to the election.

While committee and commission appointments are made by the mayor, they must be approved by the full City Council.

Aldermen expressed concern—on Monday night as well as during the Simonian appointment in May—that they did not have enough prior notice or enough information to make an informed vote. Bruno said aldermen were not notified of the appointments until about 24 hours before the meeting.

Third Ward Alderman Dean Kilburg asked if the names of appointment candidates might be shared at the Committee of the Whole meeting two weeks prior to the City Council vote. 

"I think we’re always better with more information than less information," Kilburg said. "If it takes another week to fill those positions, I don’t see that as breaking the bank. I think it would lend itself more to the process, and I think it would be productive. At least the community would have an opportunity to offer an opinion to you."

Burns argued that involving the City Council in every appointment decision was a slippery slope. With more than 100 appointments a year, such scrutiny would slow the process and might be embarrassing to people who applied but were turned down.

"I would strongly oppose the process where the nominee is debated in public," he said. "My sense is that the spigot of volunteerism would dry up pretty quickly. My fear is that we turn this into a quasi-congressional hearing.

"Opening up the process like that is foolish," he said.

Burns said he does not make appointments lightly or in a vacuum. He consults with staff, interviews the candidates and weighs in their willingness to get involved and their love for the community.

Ploppert said after the meeting that he is eager to serve and would be joining the Historic Preservation Commission with an open mind.

"I don't have any hidden agenda," he said.

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