St. Clair, left, and vice chairman Steve Reeves listen to a citizen during a meeting

Joseph St. Clair, chairman of the St. Mary’s County Planning Commission, has resigned from his position on the commission to avoid any accusations of a conflict of interest with his candidacy for St. Mary’s County Commissioner.

He is running as a Democrat against Republican incumbent Commissioner Larry Jarboe. There are no primary contestants for either candidate.

St. Clair made the announcement at Monday’s planning commission meeting, to take effect Tuesday.

“This has not been an easy decision for me,” St. Clair read from a prepared statement handed out at the meeting. The decision to resign “has been fostered by my respect for the ethical decision making process of the planning commission.”

“I have received campaign contributions from many local citizens and businesses,” he continued. “Anyone that knows me understand that a campaign contribution would never affect my vote on a particular project. However I prefer to avoid even the hint of unethical decision making therefore I feel it is important that I step down at this time and focus all of my energies on my campaign for county commissioner.”

St. Clair said his three and a half years on the commission “has allowed me to see first hand the problems that the average citizen, local farmers, developers and business people are struggling to overcome.” County land use rules and regulations are “tough to follow and understand.”

The now former chairman said his role in revamping the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) program is something he takes pride in. “It’s a major step toward preserving our rural character.”

Under state law, the planning commission is an advisory board, given the task of making recommendations to the board of county commissioners on land use laws.

“I hope that if elected I can better serve all the citizens of St. Mary’s County,” St. Clair said, with his family in the audience for his final meeting.

Planning commission member Merl Evans is also seeking a seat on the board of county commissioners.

Commission Vice Chair Steve Reeves will serve as chairman until another is voted by members.