New Potrero planning group sworn in

Union Tribune (2007-12-14)

This Page: https://copswiki.org/Common/M386
Media Link: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20071214-9999-7m14potrero.html%20type%3d%22html%22
More Info: Blackwater, Blackwater West, Local Politics

December 14, 2007

Five new members of the Potrero planning group were sworn into office last night following their election Tuesday in a vote propelled by opposition to Blackwater Worldwide.

The five – Carl Meyer, Tina Mc Cunney, Terry Stephens, William Crawley and Janet Goode – campaigned to replace members of the planning group who had supported plans for a Blackwater law enforcement and military training camp in Potrero.

“To me it means the community will get what it deserves – to have an open . . . planning group,” Stephens said.

Voters recalled the incumbents – Gordon Hammers, Jerry Johnson, Mary Johnson, Thell Fowler and Janet Wright – by a ratio of 2-to-1.

The planning group will nominate three other people to fill seats that were vacated when it was determined those members had not been appointed properly.

Blackwater officials have said they still plan to seek county approval for their project. The planning group is an advisory body.

Blackwater wants to build the camp on an 824-acre former chicken ranch. The site would include shooting ranges, a driving track, an armory and a helipad.

Many residents of Potrero, a community of 800, say the project will bring noise and traffic.