Wildomar Planning Commissioner Bob Devine Resigns

Citing an increased workload from his personal business as a consultant in the energy sector, Bob Devine has stepped down from his post as Wildomar Planning Commissioner.

Devine, speaking by phone Tuesday afternoon, said he provided his resignation Jan. 2 to Wildomar City Councilman Bob Cashman. Cashman was the councilman who appointed Devine to the post in 2008 when the city incorporated. Since that time, Devine, now 65 years old, has been reappointed.

“It wouldn’t be fair to try to maintain the position,” Devine said Tuesday, noting that his work as a consultant in the crude oil industry has picked up, with increased travel planned during the first quarter of 2014. Devine said he is also working on liquid natural gas production projects that are consuming a great deal of his time.

Devine has had in hand in Wildomar for many years. Prior to 2008, he said he was part of the committee that eventually brought Wildomar to cityhood.

“I wanted Wildomar to be a city. I think it has a lot of potential. I’m going to stay active as much as I can,” said Devine, who explained he will watch city agendas and goings-on.

Devine has been an outspoken commissioner, often voting against projects that his colleagues supported. Recently, he dissented against mixed-use projects that contain high-density residential. Devine argued that Wildomar should reserve commercial land for projects that could bring revenue to the city, instead of approving housing for those parcels.

The city now has two commissioners to replace. In November it was announced that Wildomar Planning Commission Vice Chair Michael Kazmier had resigned his post. His resignation was formally accepted Dec. 12 by the Wildomar City Council. His replacement has not yet been appointed.

With both resignations, the Wildomar Planning Commission is down to three members: Chair Stan Smith, Commissioner Veronica Langworthy, and Commissioner Bobby Swann.

Those interested in applying to the planning commission should contact the city at 951-677-7751.