BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board chairman Jim Lynch has resigned.
Lynch submitted his written resignation by email to Mayor John Chappie, City Clerk Terri Sanclemente and City Planner Alan Garrett on Thursday, July 26.
“Pursuant to our discussion this morning, please accept this email message as my resignation from the Planning and Zoning Board, effective immediately,” Lynch’s email said.
“I would like to thank all those who have graciously helped me during my terms to perform my duties as a Planning & Zoning Board member and as its chair. After long consideration and years of effort, I have concluded I can be more effective helping members of our community in ways other than as a member of the Planning & Zoning Board.
“I will be forever thankful that we were able to establish written Planning & Zoning Board procedures. These include allowing board members to document the reasons for their recommendations to the City Commission, including dissenting voices, which I recommend be seriously considered to arrive at the best decisions for the city. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Bradenton Beach,” Lynch wrote.
Lynch was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board in early 2015. He resigned later that year but returned to the board a few months later. In January, he was reappointed to serve another term.
“He’s done an amazing job. He shows great leadership on that board,” Mayor John Chappie said when the commission reappointed Lynch. Lynch’s peers then elected him to serve as the board chairman.
Now retired, Lynch spent five years as the senior assistant county attorney for Hillsborough County after a 20-year career as an Army Military Attorney (JAG). Throughout his legal career, Lynch also served as an adjunct professor, teaching business, law and criminal justice classes. He also served as an ombudsman for Florida’s Medicaid Managed Long-Term Care Program.
Former chair and current vice-chair John Burns will serve as interim chair until the board elects a new chair. Lynch’s resignation leaves two open seats on the seven-member board. Those interested in serving on the volunteer advisory board can contact the city clerk’s office at 941-778-1005.
