Cole, Vernon Resignations on Monday’s City Council Agenda

Two resignations from local commissions are contained in Monday’s City Council agenda.

Police Oversight Commissioner Paul Vernon is leaving the Commission and, as previously reported, Rick Cole is leaving the Planning Commission.

Cole will be sworn in as the next District 2 City Councilmember. He announced his resignation effective Dec. 6 last month.

“It has been my privilege to serve our City as a member of the Planning Commission over the past two and a half years,” said Cole in a letter addressed to Victor Gordo. “During that time, the Commission has broadened its focus, taking a wider view of its responsibilities. The leadership of former Chair Mic Hansen has improved our relations with staff and raised the level of analysis and discourse among ourselves and with the public. We’ve made significant strides in addressing our City’s capital needs and affordable housing challenges as well as worked to improve meaningful implementation of the City’s planning efforts.”

Vernon made headlines when he was appointed to the Police Oversight Commission.

Vernon served 33 years with the Los Angeles Police Department. He resigned after applying for the Independent Police Auditor position, which will become vacant on January 18 when current IPA Richard Rosenthal leaves the position.

“I hereby tender my resignation as a commissioner for the Pasadena Community Police Oversight Commission, effective immediately,” Vernon wrote. “I applied for the Independent Auditor position, expecting that if I were appointed, I could then resign from the commission. However, as I have learned, the application while being a commissioner would qualify as a conflict. It is best that I resign from the commission before it takes up any consideration of the IPA applicants. I feel my background and skills would better serve the city as the independent auditor than as a commissioner, if I am lucky enough to be appointed. I consider it an honor to have been nominated by Councilwoman Williams, and I appreciate the support of the City Council who confirmed me.”

Vernon was nominated to the Commission in June.

Several local residents expressed concerns about keeping a civilian perspective on the Commission.

Vernon responded with a guest opinion piece in Pasadena Now. In that piece, Vernon sought to assure the public, the Police Department, City Council, and his fellow commissioners that he is an independent and critical thinker.

Both resignations involve District 2: Vernon served as the District 2 representative on the Police Oversight Commission and Cole will represent the District on the City Council.