Chief of Police joins Saratoga Planning Commission

The planning commission will be joined by a familiar face to the town of Saratoga, as Tom Knickerbocker was approved as the newest member

Knickerbocker, who is also Saratoga's Chief of Police, is hoping to lend his expertise to Saratoga's planning commission.

"I think I have a lot to bring to the table for the planning commission. I've been in law enforcement going on 17 years. Prior to that, I was in the construction trade: concrete, masonry, carpentry, excavation, landscaping," Knickerbocker said. "I've been a part of the construction trade for the last 30 years, actually."

Knickerbocker said he became interested in the planning commission after sitting in on a few of their meetings. When the opening came up, following Bob Thrasher's resignation, Knickerbocker decided to jump on the opportunity. Though Knickerbocker works in the police department, he said he still continues to use his construction skills often.

Perhaps his largest asset to the planning commission is his knowledge of state statutes and ordinances.

"The past 17 years, I've had to interpret ordinances and enforce the laws," he said.

Efficiency is one of the largest problems the planning commission have right now, and Knickerbocker thinks his knowledge on these subjects can help keep the planning commission on track. He does not want to come into the board like a bulldozer, he said, however, Knickerbocker wants to help the board work towards their goals.

"I personally know of municipal ordinances that exist which contradict with zoning ordinances, there are just issues like that that I don't see being addressed at all," Knickerbocker said.

Even though he is an employee of the government, Knickerbocker said he is very against big government regulations, even at the local level. Instead, he welcomes any ideas and opinions from the public while serving on the planning commission.

"I'm looking forward to it. I've been a police officer here since 2008, I've been a part of this community. I think I have a vested interest in where this town is headed."

Knickerbocker will join Greg Cooksey, Rory Grubb, Chris Shannon, Karl Smith and Steve Wilcoxson on the planning board. There is still one more vacant seat on the board that needs to be filled.

The next planning commission meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 12 at Saratoga Town Hall.