Applications are in for the Parks and the Planning Commissions, aka “Friends of the Gang.” In the past 4 years, almost every appointment has gone to someone who is a “friend” of the Gang, a campaign contributor, an employee, or a campaign worker. In theory, the practice of nepotism isn’t harmful until you deny the appointment to someone who is better qualified in order to reward your sycophant. Unfortunately this has often been the case. The most notable examples being the appointments of C.D. Brower, Jolene Fuentes, Francisco Barajas, and Scott Voigts himself.
PARKS COMMISSION
(There are two vacancies. Jeff Werkmeister is stepping down and Victor Scheer is seeking re-appointment.)
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Jeff Matthews previously lived in Costa Mesa where he served as a Parks Commissioner (2009-12) and was Chairman of the Homeless Task Force (2010-11). He has two children who attend ETHS. He has an MBA and works in asset management.
Lisa Porter is a 17 year resident with an MBA and two active teenagers. She served on the FHR Kids Foundation, FRC Elementary PTA, and Trabuco Hills HS PTA. She is a marketing consultant and lives in Foothill Ranch.
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Fahr Semnani is a 14 year resident and is involved in commercial real estate. He has a BS in Health Physics and lives in Portola Hills. He graduated from the Leadership Academy.
Victor Sheer serves on the Parks Commission and worked in the recreation field. He has a B S in Recreation and is active in the Heritage Hill Historical Society.
PLANNING COMMISSION
(There are two vacancies. Mark Armando and Jolene Fuentes are seeking re-appointment)
Mark Armando serves on the Planning Commission and is a former Police Officer. He serves on the Board on Concord Crossing HOA. He has a BA in Vocational Education.
Dave Carter is a former Planning Commissioner. He is active in the Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce and is the leading force behind creating the Lake Forest Boys and Girls Club. He’s lived in Lake Forest for 32 years and serves as Treasurer of San Rita Ridge HOA.
Jolene Fuentes serves as a Planning Commissioner and is Vice President on the Board of Lake 2 HOA. She has a BA in Communications.
Jeff Matthews previously lived in Costa Mesa where he served as a Parks Commissioner (2009-12) and was Chairman of the Homeless Task Force (2010-11). He has two children who attend ETHS. He has an MBA and works in asset management.
Peter Meyers is a commercial banker.
Barry Rosenberg is retired. He worked in marketing. He has a BFA in advertising. He lived in Lake Forest for 35 years and is a graduate of the Leadership Academy.
Fahr Semnani is a 14 year resident and is involved in commercial real estate. He has a BS in Health Physics and lives in Portola Hills. He graduated from the Leadership Academy.
Stan Yombo is General Manager of one of our local hotels. He is the President of the Lake Forest Kiwanis Club and is on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce. Stan is active in local nonprofits (e.g., Soroptimists, Relay for Life) and also on the 4th of July Parade Committee.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Jim Gardner is on the City Council for Lake Forest. You can check him out on LinkedIn and/or Facebook and you can share your thoughts about the City at Lake Forest Town Square on Facebook. His comments are not meant to reflect official City Policy.
Dr. Gardner has office hours every Tuesday from 4 pm to 6 pm at the City Hall. In addition, he holds a Town Hall meeting every quarter. The next meeting will be in February at the Foothill Ranch Public Library.
