Some question appointment of 21-year-old mayor's son to Pomona's Planning Commission
Another 20-something has made his way into Pomona government.
The first was Councilwoman Danielle Soto who was elected to her post in November. The second one is Jason Rothman, son of Mayor Elliott Rothman, who last week was sworn in on the Planning Commission.
Councilman Steve Atchley, who represents northern Pomona, appointed the younger Rothman.
Atchley said Friday his appointee has the qualifications and commitment to serve on the commission.
"Basically he's familiar with the city and having followed his father around he understands how the city works," Atchley said.
Neither of the Rothmans could be reached for comment Friday.
Atchley said the people he has been appointing to commissions are a diverse group, and Jason Rothman adds to that variety, adding he wanted to have "a young person's perspective."
Another thing Atchley has been seeking in prospective appointees has been interest in the city, community involvement and responsiveness.
"I wanted to put in people who had good, open communication with me," he said.
While he wants to keep in touch with commissioners, including the younger Rothman, Atchley said that doesn't mean he will try to influence Jason Rothman's decisions and is sure the elder Rothman won't either.
Atchley joked that sons tend to ignore what their fathers have to say.
He hopes people wouldn't think there is a conflict.
"If they know Elliott and Jason both, they'll know it's not an issue. He's pretty much his own man," he said, referring to the younger Rothman.
Atchley said that in going through commission applications he came across Jason Rothman's and decided to interview him.
"I think he's a very astute and interesting young man," Atchley said.
Jason Rothman's application said he is a 21-year resident of the city and gave as a home address the same one as his parents.
The Diamond Ranch High School graduate is working as a chemist and expects to graduate from Cal Poly Pomona in June with a bachelor of science degree in biotechnology.
Senior Deputy City Clerk Pam Perkins said that, with the exception of appointments to the Board of Parking Place Commissioners, people being appointed to any of the city's commissions don't have to go before the City Council for approval.
Persons interested in serving on any of the commissions must fill out a short application to be considered for a post, she said. Commissioners serve on a volunteer basis without compensations
.
Some residents have questions about the younger Rothman.
Resident Ryan Stevenson said he doesn't know Jason Rothman and he "could have good credentials," but he would like to know more about him.
Stevenson recently urged the City Council to fill Elliott Rothman's council seat through a special election rather than through an appointment.
Although he hasn't gone over all their votes, Atchley and Rothman seem to collaborate closely, Stevenson said.
Last year Atchley supported Rothman when the latter voted to oppose a proposed increase in the lighting and landscaping assessment.
City resident and preservationist John Clifford had a chance to observe the younger Rothman at Wednesday's commission meeting.
"He asked intelligent questions and seemed prepared," Clifford said, adding that the latter is not always the case with commissioners.
"I was fairly well impressed," Clifford said.
However, a planning commissioner can't just be well prepared to be effective, he said.
At the very least a planning commissioner should be a homeowner and "I believe (Jason Rothman) lives with his parents," Clifford said.
The Planning Commission, Clifford said, is probably the most important commission a city has.
The commission's decisions on land use and development have an impact that will be felt for years to come, he said.
"Is the reason this person was chosen because he was the best most qualified person to lead us in future development or were there other reasons?" Clifford asked.
monica.rodriguez@inlandnewspapers.com
Neither of the Rothmans could be reached for comment Friday.
Atchley said the people he has been appointing to commissions are a diverse group, and Jason Rothman adds to that variety, adding he wanted to have "a young person's perspective."
Another thing Atchley has been seeking in prospective appointees has been interest in the city, community involvement and responsiveness.
"I wanted to put in people who had good, open communication with me," he said.
While he wants to keep in touch with commissioners, including the younger Rothman, Atchley said that doesn't mean he will try to influence Jason Rothman's decisions and is sure the elder Rothman won't either.
Atchley joked that sons tend to ignore what their fathers have to say.
He hopes people wouldn't think there is a conflict.
"If they know Elliott and Jason both, they'll know it's not an issue. He's pretty much his own man," he said, referring to the younger Rothman.
Atchley said that in going through commission applications he came across Jason Rothman's and decided to interview him.
"I think he's a very astute and interesting young man," Atchley said.
Jason Rothman's application said he is a 21-year resident of the city and gave as a home address the same one as his parents.
The Diamond Ranch High School graduate is working as a chemist and expects to graduate from Cal Poly Pomona in June with a bachelor of science degree in biotechnology.
Senior Deputy City Clerk Pam Perkins said that, with the exception of appointments to the Board of Parking Place Commissioners, people being appointed to any of the city's commissions don't have to go before the City Council for approval.
Persons interested in serving on any of the commissions must fill out a short application to be considered for a post, she said. Commissioners serve on a volunteer basis without compensations
.
Some residents have questions about the younger Rothman.
Resident Ryan Stevenson said he doesn't know Jason Rothman and he "could have good credentials," but he would like to know more about him.
Stevenson recently urged the City Council to fill Elliott Rothman's council seat through a special election rather than through an appointment.
Although he hasn't gone over all their votes, Atchley and Rothman seem to collaborate closely, Stevenson said.
Last year Atchley supported Rothman when the latter voted to oppose a proposed increase in the lighting and landscaping assessment.
City resident and preservationist John Clifford had a chance to observe the younger Rothman at Wednesday's commission meeting.
"He asked intelligent questions and seemed prepared," Clifford said, adding that the latter is not always the case with commissioners.
"I was fairly well impressed," Clifford said.
However, a planning commissioner can't just be well prepared to be effective, he said.
At the very least a planning commissioner should be a homeowner and "I believe (Jason Rothman) lives with his parents," Clifford said.
The Planning Commission, Clifford said, is probably the most important commission a city has.
The commission's decisions on land use and development have an impact that will be felt for years to come, he said.
"Is the reason this person was chosen because he was the best most qualified person to lead us in future development or were there other reasons?" Clifford asked.
monica.rodriguez@inlandnewspapers.com
How can a 20 year old be the best available candidate for anything? He can't
It's filthy, yet neither we nor 'they' will do anything to correct this smug corruption.
Be assured, 'they' are giggling at our lack of backbone.
Maybe someone can go out on the street and hold a sign made out of cardboard in protest- that'll teach 'em.
Is it just me, or does anyone else get the feeling that it won't be long til our city is embroiled in some scandal due to Rothman and his lackey, Atchley.
Yeah I'm sure Atchley just stumbled across lil Rothman's application... what a crock of crap.
I wonder if Atchley has any kids that Rothman can appoint to some commission in return... after all, with him, scratch my back and I scratch yours right???
Get over it folks. Look at the lackey who this country just elected as president...disgusting, but we get who we get and we're stuck with 'em.
Wow. In just the brief time since his election, he's aleady demonstrated vengeance, cronyism and now nepotism.
I can hear it now - "Son, you'll do my bidding or else I'll stop paying your room and board other living expenses!"
And as for Atchley, all I can say is wow! How on Earth could he keep a straight face and maintain his composure when he said, "I just stumbled across lil Rothman's resume"?
Oh, this is going to be a bumpy ride folks...
Hey Citizen,
You show your ignorance when you attack the President. The only thing you know about Obama is what Fox News wants you to know. I hope the next 8 years aren't as painful for you as the last 8 years were for me.
ChuckyinMinntucky (aka ChuckyDucky):
the issue was specifically about Pomona's Mayor and his son and you shouldn't have deviated.
However, since you have, hopefully you can gain a modicum of sympathy relative to your alleged "painful years" under President George W. Bush.
If you felt uncomfortable with what Fox News told you about President-elect Barack Obama, then you should have just changed channels or was that beyond your capabilities?