Commission appoints Chamber executive to planning board

As Sarasota County officials gather input toward revamping the county comprehensive plan, seats continue to shuffle on the advisory board that will play a key role in the update and the county’s future.

The latest change came today, as county commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Kevin Cooper to finish Vanessa Carusone's term on the Planning Commission. Carusone served three years on the board and resigned effective August 28, saying in her resignation letter that she had done so "due to county code."

Cooper, originally from Ohio, served in the military for six years and worked in nonprofit development before moving to Sarasota six years ago. He was executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and now serves as vice president of public policy for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Cooper said he hopes to achieve a balanced approach to his duties on the Planning Commission.

“(It’s) a critical decision,” he said, “how to continue to maintain the healthy rate of growth when the Urban Service Boundary reaches a threshold of capacity … ”

Cooper is replacing the only member of the board who has no current or former professional affiliation with construction, real estate, building or general contracting. 

Cooper will serve for the remainder of Carusone’s term until it expires in December, at which time he’ll be eligible for reappointment.

The Planning Commission advises the county commission on adoptions of amendments to its comprehensive plan as well as land-use applications filed.

Other applicants for the planning board include Lourdes Ramirez, former president of the Siesta Key Village Association and the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations and former County Commissioner Jon Thaxton.