Thrasher planning to deliver new perspective to commission

As the newest addition to the Planning Commission, Bob Thrasher wants to deliver new ideas in meetings.

Thrasher returned to Saratoga 12 years ago after establishing a 35-year teaching career elsewhere. Thrasher said he is thinking about retiring from teaching at Saratoga Middle/High School, but wants to stay involved with the community. Thrasher hopes to deliver a fresh perspective to the Planning Commission, a board that has a large influence in the town of Saratoga. Thrasher sat down with the Saratoga Sun to describe his impression of the Planning Commission.

Why did you want to be on the Planning Commission?

I love Saratoga, and that’s why I moved back 12 years ago. But if you are in one place for long enough, you become stagnant, and I don’t want to be stagnant. Also, I thought maybe I could add a little bit of perspective to it. We have a nice town, and a lot of people may want to live here, but if they see some of the stuff in the background, they may change their minds. We need new people and new industry.

Based on your background, what are some things you could offer to the Planning Commission?

When school was out, I painted houses. I also built three or four houses, so I have a building background. I also have worked for a couple of construction companies when I was young.

What were your expectations when you got on to the Planning Commission? How were your expectations met?

I always ask for a job description to find out what I’ll be doing. They said they just kind of play it by ear. I’m not a political animal, so this is my first time joining something like this. I have opinions and I have a basis for a lot of knowledge, but I am still learning about the proper protocol.

What was your impression of your first Planning Commission meeting?

I sat there and absorbed the atmosphere and the tension between the audience and the board members. I was really surprised about the little movement there was. There was a lot of discussion and very little motion. In fact, we didn’t vote on anything at all. We just kept going back and forth. I like production.

What is it like to be the newest addition of the Planning Commission?

We have two new teachers here at the school. I have learned a bunch from them that I had forgotten in 47 years. Yeah I’m an old guy, but maybe I bring different ideas to the table. If you sit on boards for a long time, you get tunnel vision. I am hoping I can bring a fresh, new aspect to the commission.