Democracy at Crossroads: Carey Dobson’s Unique Status as a County Commission Board Member for Planning and Zoning in Apache County
In the intricate tapestry of local governance, a unique revelation has come to light regarding Carey Dobson’s position as a County Commission Board member for planning and zoning. Unlike the typical trajectory of appointed officials, recent documents linked to the Board of Supervisors suggest that Dobson holds a distinct status as a permanent appointed member of the County Commission Board for planning and zoning.
In standard democratic practice, County Commission Board members are appointed representatives chosen by the board of supervisors whom are elected, allowing citizens to have an indirect hand in shaping their local leadership. However, Carey Dobson’s unconventional path to the County Commission Board raises eyebrows due to the nature of his appointment and the intriguing detail that this appointment seemingly grants him a tenure for life. Seemingly being endlessly reappointed by the board of supervisors over and over endlessly since at least 2016.
In Apache County, the term of office for county planning and zoning commissioners is **four years**. The Planning and Zoning Commission consists of nine members who serve without compensation. Two members are appointed from each supervisorial district by the supervisor from that district, and one member is appointed at large by the chairman of the board of supervisors¹. You can find more information about the Apache County Community Development department and the Concho Community Plan by following the links below:
- [Apache County - Community Development](^1^) - [Concho Community Plan - Apache County](^3^)
Source: (1) Apache County - Community Development. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/Community-Development. (2) Apache County - Community Development. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/Community-Development. (3) Concho Community Plan - Apache County. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/accnt_591117/site_591118/Documents/Concho-Community-Plan.pdf. (4) County commission term limits backed - Yahoo News. https://news.yahoo.com/county-commission-term-limits-backed-190009101.html.
The board of supervisors in Apache County are **elected** by the qualified electors of the county. Each supervisor represents one of the three supervisorial districts in the county. The board of supervisors is the governing body of the county and has various statutory responsibilities related to county administration¹. You can find more information about the board of supervisors and their duties on the Apache County website².
¹: [Apache County - County Manager](^4^) ²: [Apache
Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/20/2024 (1) . https://bing.com/search?q=board+of+supervisors+in+Apache+County+elected+or+appointed. (2) Apache County Treasurers Office. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/. (3) Apache County - County Manager. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/County-Manager?offset=0.
We have found documents within the Apache County web archives that indicate Carey Dobson has been a commissioner since 2010!
Source:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://images.edocket.azcc.gov/docketpdf/0000124755.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjRhZKN5ZyEAxUhM0QIHQ7uCFEQFnoECBIQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3e1SLI2I5XSxlUCMaHZEed
According to the document, Carey Dobson was a commissioner for planning and zoning in Apache County in 2011³⁴. He was also a member of the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments in the same year¹².
Source: Conversation with Bing, 2/8/2024 (1) PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR July 9, 2020 In Attendance .... https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/accnt_591117/site_591118/Documents/July-9-2020-Planning-and-Zoning-Commission-Minutes.pdf. (2) PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR January 5, 2023 Staff Dan .... https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/accnt_591117/site_591118/Documents/January-5-2023-Planning-and-Zoning-Minutes.pdf. (3) Apache County - Community Development. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/Community-Development. (4) Apache County Zoning - St. Johns, AZ (Address and Phone). https://www.countyoffice.org/apache-county-zoning-st-johns-az-da9/.
While public offices often witness appointments, the exceptional nature of Dobson's perpetual tenure raises questions about democratic norms and citizens' right to choose their leaders. The Board of Supervisors in Apache County, entrusted with governing responsibilities, typically comprises elected officials representing distinct supervisorial districts². This electoral process ensures periodic scrutiny through elections, fostering a dynamic and responsive leadership.
According to the web search results, **yes**, Carey Dobson was an Apache county commission board member for planning and zoning prior to 2016. He was re-appointed as a permanent commission board member for the Planning and Zoning Commission representing District I in May 2016⁴. He is still serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission as of June 2021³.
Source: (1) Joe Shirley, Jr. Vice Chairman Member District II ... - Apache County. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/accnt_591117/site_591118/Documents/May-3-2016-Agenda.pdf. (2) PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR June 17, 2021 - Apache County. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/accnt_591117/site_591118/Documents/June-17-2021-Planning-and-Zoning-Committee-Minutes.pdf. (3) Apache County - Personnel Directory. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/Personnel-Directory?offset=1. (4) Apache County - Community Development. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/Community-Development.
According to the web search results, Carey Dobson was also appointed as Apache County commission board member for planning and zoning in **January 2014**¹. He was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to fill a vacancy in District I¹. Athough Carey Dobson may reside near his Timberline Ranch at The Dobson Ranch in District 3. Which is directly against the fact that a commissioner is to live in the District he is serving. He has been serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission since at least 2011²³.
¹: [2](^2^) ²: [1](^1^) ³: [3](^3^)
Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/20/2024 (1) Apache County - Community Development. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/Community-Development. (2) PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR July 9, 2020 In Attendance .... https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/accnt_591117/site_591118/Documents/July-9-2020-Planning-and-Zoning-Commission-Minutes.pdf. (3) Apache County - Personnel Directory. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/Personnel-Directory?offset=49. (4) PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR July 9, 2020 In Attendance .... https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/accnt_591117/site_591118/Documents/July-9-2020-Planning-and-Zoning-Commission-Minutes.pdf. (5) Apache County - Community Development. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/Community-Development. (6) Apache County - Personnel Directory. https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/Personnel-Directory?offset=49.
The constitutional implications of a County Commission Board member appointed for life are at the forefront of community discussions. In a democratic system, accountability, representation, and the principles of checks and balances are foundational. Dobson’s appointment and reappointments challenges these norms, prompting a critical examination of the alignment between such appointments and democratic values.
As residents engage in dialogues and legal experts weigh in, the spotlight on Carey Dobson's unique status underscores the need for transparency in appointment processes. The community's contemplation may catalyze a broader reassessment of how local governance aligns with democratic ideals, ensuring that citizens' voices continue to shape the fabric of their democracy.
At the heart of a democratic system is the principle of empowering citizens to elect officials who echo their values and address their concerns. The prospect of a County Commission Board member appointed for life introduces complexities, challenging the conventional understanding of democratic norms and underscoring the need for transparency in appointment processes.
As the community engages in dialogues and legal experts weigh in, the unique status of Carey Dobson as a County Commission Board member invites contemplation on how local governance aligns with democratic ideals. These discussions may usher in a broader reevaluation of appointment processes to ensure they resonate with the democratic principles that underpin our local democratic fabric.
Source:
Sources: 1. Apache County - Community Development. [https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/Community-Development](https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/Community-Development) 2. County commission term limits backed - Yahoo News. [https://news.yahoo.com/county-commission-term-limits-backed-190009101.html](https://news.yahoo.com/county-commission-term-limits-backed-190009101.html) 3. Apache County - County Manager. [https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/County-Manager](https://www.apachecountyaz.gov/County-Manager?offset=0)