Should San Anselmo Hand Off Ford Greene Kerfuffle to a Third Party?

Though the heat seems to have subsided from the brouhaha between San Anselmo Town Councilman Ford Greene and town staff in recent weeks – Greene apologized after reportedly cursing out Town Manager Debbie Stutsman – the standoff over the future of the building Greene owns at 711-715 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. remains up in the air. Greene has sought to maintain his residence on the first floor of the historic two-story building, a unit that violates current zoning and thus requires special approval, according to city officials.

In his analysis of the situation, which dates back more than two years, Marin Independent Journal columnist Dick Spotswood says San Anselmo town staff should hand over the matter to an independent third party, possibly the county of Marins planning staff, with Katie Rice, Ross Valley's county supervisor, facilitating such a move.

"It's not a question of fault," Spotswood writes. "Greene didn't give up his property rights when voters elected him to the council. Staff shouldn't quake in their boots simply because the building owner is a council member."

Green's apology came after he was chastised by his fellow councilmembers for "abusive and unprofessional behavior" and told to "cease any further oral communications with town staff regarding your application. Any further communications about your application should be in writing or through your architect or attorney," according to the IJ.

What do you think? Should town staff hand off the matter to an independent party in an effort to resolve the conflict? If not, what do you propose? Tell us in the Comments below.

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