A second member of the proposed 2050 citizens’ panel withdrew Tuesday, lowering the number of confirmed members to just two.

The advisory panel will have either 13 or 18 members, and its primary goals, at least at first, will be to discuss lot-size minimums and transferrable development right provisions in the 2050 Plan. Membership details remain sketchy.
But Andre Cooper’s withdrawal from the panel is unequivocal.

Cooper, nominated by Newton County Commissioner JC Henderson last week, politely withdrew from consideration Tuesday.

A sheriff’s deputy, Cooper wrote in his letter to Henderson that while he was “delighted” to be considered, “I cannot accept. I contemplated my involvement prior to the appointment and recognized I would be unable to be on the panel due to family obligations and scheduling.”

He serves on four other boards, and does construction on the side. Time is not Cooper’s ally.

“I appreciate the consideration,” he wrote. “Please do not hesitate to think of me for future opportunities to work together for the best interests of Newton County citizens.”

On Friday, Commissioner John Douglas’ appointee, Sandy Morehouse, also stepped down.

County Commission Chairman Keith Ellis could not be reached for comment Tuesday. The only confirmed members of the panel are wastewater engineer Wayne Haynie, Ellis’ appointee, and Commissioner Nancy Schulz’s appointee, Michelle Porteous, chair of the Windcrest Homeowners Association.