Washougal Planning Commissioner resigns

A man who served on the Washougal Planning Commission for six months has resigned, in order to launch a new business.

Mike Briggs submitted a letter to Mayor Sean Guard yesterday, stating his plans to begin a “journalistic endeavor.”

“I believe that serving on the planning commission will impede my ability to serve the best interests of my new enterprise and the citizens of Washougal, Camas and others in East Clark County, Washington,” Briggs wrote.

He described serving on the planning commission as a “distinct honor.”

“However, I find I must leave it now due to unforeseen conflicts which impair my ability to speak out freely as a concerned and caring citizen of Washougal in addressing the very grave and destructive issues I see within the Washougal City Council,” Briggs said.

When he was contacted Monday night to describe his plans, Briggs said he could not comment.

Briggs was appointed to serve on the planning commission Dec. 6, 2010. Prior to that, several council members expressed concerns about Briggs’ criticism of city leaders in letters to the editor in several newspapers and in submissions to blogs.

In November, Councilwoman Jennifer McDaniel said she received assurances from Briggs that he would be committed to a term that expires in 2015, and he would be ready to dive into information and realize it would be a learning process.

“He’s trying to put his money where his mouth is and step up,” she said.

Individuals hoping to serve on the planning commission are invited to submit letters of interest – along with resumes or narratives of backgrounds and experiences – to Mayor Sean Guard, c/o Planning Commission, 1701 “C” St., Washougal, WA 98671.

A deadline for the letters has not been established.