Fisher joins Monroe Planning Commission

The Monroe City Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Monroe resident Kyle Fisher to the Monroe Planning Commission last week, based on a recommendation from Mayor Geoffrey Thomas.

Fisher was appointed to fill a vacancy left by former commissioner Brian Coonan, who recently resigned. He started Tuesday, June 14, and his term expires Dec. 31, 2019. The decision was a difficult one, the mayor said during a recent council meeting, because there were several solid candidates up for consideration.

A long-term Monroe resident, Fisher is a firefighter and medical specialist with the Valley Regional Fire Authority, headquartered in Auburn. He was selected by his coworkers as Firefighter of the Year in 2008, an honor given because of his upbeat personality, strong work ethic, broad level of firefighting knowledge and skills as an instructor.

He is currently the president of the Monroe Montessori Parent Booster Club and on the Monroe Boys & Girls Club advisory committee.

"I have been interested in becoming more involved with the city of Monroe for years,GÇ¥ Fisher wrote on his application. "I have lived here for 20-plus years and want to contribute to the quality of life that I have enjoyed while living in Monroe.GÇ¥

This will be Fisher's first appointment to a city commission.

"My special skillset includes being willing to listen to different options to solve problems and achieve goals,GÇ¥ Fisher wrote. "I work very well under pressure and have the ability to communicate and understand different points of view from different personality types.GÇ¥

The planning commission is a seven-member body responsible for discussing city land-use matters, holding hearings and listening to public testimony. The role of the planning commission is to make recommendations to the Monroe City Council regarding things like zoning, municipal code revisions, allowable land uses and updates to the city's Comprehensive Plan. The mayor recommends candidates, whose appointments are confirmed by the city council.

For more information on the Monroe Planning Commission, visit www.monroewa.gov/index.aspx?NID=153.