Murphy to fill FCPG vacancy

The Fallbrook Community Planning Group has recommended that realtor Kim Murphy be appointed to fill the empty seat left when Ike Perez resigned March 27. FCPG chair Jim Russell said that there were three applicants for the open position at the group’s June 18 meeting. One withdrew his application before the vote. The Board of Supervisors will ratify Murphy’s appointment at its July 24 meeting.

That seat is one of seven which are up for election come November. Russell’s seat is also up and he said he will run again. He has been on the planning group for 28 years.

The other members who are up for reelection are Eileen Delaney, Stephen E. Brown, Ron Miller, Richard Billburg and Jerry Kalman. Russell said he suspects a few of those will not run again so new candidates are needed. The filing period for candidates begins July 16 and ends Aug. 10.

FCPG has 15 members who live in the community they serve; they are not county officials but advisors to the administrators of the County of San Diego. Therefore, they cannot make any decisions on county matters. They are elected for four-year terms, which begin the first Monday after Jan. 1 in odd numbered years.

FCPG meets at Live Oak Elementary School, 1978 Reche Road, the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Its duties are limited to advising and assisting county officials regarding planning and land use issues in their area.

According to the county’s website, “If the number of candidates does not exceed the positions to be filled, the Registrar of Voters can certify the qualified candidates and request the Board of Supervisors appoint said candidates.” Russell encourages residents to get involved and run for a seat, “All are welcome, it’s your town.”

Candidates may obtain petition of nomination forms from the office of the Registrar of Voters, 5600 Overland Ave., Suite #100, San Diego, CA 92123. For more information on candidate filings, call (858) 505-7260.