HANCOCK COUNTY — When Craig Glazier, a longtime member of the Hancock County Area Plan Commission, died last month after a battle with cancer, local officials declared they wanted to fill his seat with someone who would match the level of care and commitment the Fortville native provided.
Glazier, 48, died Sept. 25 from skin cancer, which was originally diagnosed in 2011 and recurred in August 2014. Glazier joined the Hancock County Area Board of Zoning Appeals in 2006, where he remained until being appointed to the plan commission in January 2011.
Glazier, who represented the Town of Fortville on the commission, was one of nine members of the board, all of whom serve four-year terms. Members of the Fortville Town Council are aiming to appoint someone to fill the empty seat as soon as possible, councilwoman Janet Manship said.
The town council will meet Nov. 16 to review applications for the open seat, which are due Nov. 12, Manship said. Council members are seeking a candidate who not only has a strong interest in the growth and integrity of a community but who can also offer expertise, areas where Glazier excelled, she said.
The plan commission is made up of private citizens who advise government officials on local developments, including comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances that govern how local land is used.
Manship said that whenever Glazier, who worked as a landscape architect for an Indianapolis company, reported back to the Fortville Town Council, he always brought thoughtful recommendations.
“Losing Craig is a not only a big loss for (Fortville) but for the entire county,” she said. “Whatever his stance was, he always represented the town’s best interests.”
Likewise, Mike Dale, director of the Hancock County Planning and Building Departments, said the presence Glazier lent the commission will be sorely missed.
“He was always very thoughtful and analytical about the decisions he made as a member of the plan commission and also on the (board of zoning appeals),” Dale said. “You could tell he took a lot of care.”
But beyond his professionalism, Dale said, Glazier always demonstrated compassion, remaining positive when dealing with local issues that can sometimes become contentious.
“What’s most remarkable about Craig was that he was one of those people who always made you feel like you’re one of the most important people he knows,” Dale said.
Terri Sweet, assistant for the plan commission, said she, too, noted Glazier’s scrupulousness.
“He was always very conscientious of whatever he was doing; he always took a deeper look into things,” Sweet said. “We really miss him.”
Interested applicants may contact town manager Joe Renner, 317-485-4044, ext. 102, or [email protected].
The next plan commission meeting is scheduled for Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Courthouse Annex, 111 American Legion Place, in Greenfield.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”How to apply” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
The Hancock County Area Plan Commission has an open seat to fill. Interested applicants may contact town manager Joe Renner, 317-485-4044, ext. 102, or [email protected].
[sc:pullout-text-end]
