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'~ublic relations. Perhaps one of the most important parts of a planning process is in citing the advantages of a planning program to the local officials and the citizens. Many local officials and citizens remain unconvinced that planning is of ben~fit to the community or even that it is neces- sary ak all. Of course, many of these beliefs are reinforced by some developers who are opposed to development controls and standards. The planning commissioner should be ready at all times to discuss the advantages to the com- munity of a properly administered planning program. The local officials and citizens are more likely to believe a local citizen appointed to a planning commission than a planning professional or a planning consultant. Summarj,. A properly constituted planning commission can serve a very useful function and provide much valuable assistance to the elected officials of a local community or region. The advisory function can vary from review of small, special projects and development problems to larger, broad-scale projects such as the develop- ment of a comprehensive plan. Each community usually contains a number of individuals with unique and valuable talents, some of whom are willing to serve on planning commissions. In the final analysis, the use (or non-use) that is made of these individuals as part of a planning process will be determined by the local elected officials. E. WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE eLANNING COMMISSIONER~ Planning commissioners, appointed by the local elected officials, are likely to come from a variety of backgrounds. As was indicated previously, every attempt should be made purposely to select planning commissioners to represent a cross-section of the community. While the background of a planning commis- sioner may be of assistance in carrying out his or her duties, it is perhaps even more important that the commissioner have the interest, dedication, the perfect planning commissioner integrity, and above all a willingness to work to become most effective. The commissioner must have the interest and dedication to attend many meetings which often run late into the night and at times may be very boring. The commissioners must also be willing to work hard to keep them- selves informed on various issues so they may be able to properly evaluate development proposals. Finally, the commissioner must have the integrity and fortitude to stick to his or her convictions, since planning commissioners are often .subject to pressures and criticism from various groups and individuals for their recommendations. -14-