While city council members are screening eager candidates to fill the open seats, the retiring commissioners are bidding farewell to their colleagues and reflecting on jobs well done.

Commissioners George Roupe, Erna Jackman and Lisa Kurasch will be meeting in the Civic Theater for the last time as fellow commissioners on March 26. While each will be leaving to pursue their own personal endeavors, Commissioner Cynthia Barry, whose term also will be up, is applying for a second term.

Staff planner and Community Development Director Tom Sullivan said he's been fortunate in having worked with a diverse group.

"Each one brought something special to the commission," he said. "While George was able to see beyond the smoke and the trees and focused on the heart of the matter, Lisa brought environmental concerns to the table, and Erna gave her perspective on the history of Saratoga."

Sullivan added that although there were many times when the commissioners did not agree, they always respected one another.

"We've shared some interesting times together," said Roupe. "We've learned how to disagree without being disagreeable."

The decision to step down from the commission was one that Roupe said he felt was all in good timing.

The soon-to-be-retired commissioner and family man said he plans to pursue his passion for traveling and hopes to spend more quality time with his grandchildren.

"It's been a worthwhile experience," said Roupe. "I've enjoyed working with my fellow commissioners and am grateful for the opportunity to get involved with the community. I was able to put a finger on the pulse of what was going on in the city."

Roupe added that the commission has many strengths, one of which is getting things done in a timely manner, and attributed the commission's success to Sullivan.

"Tom came into a difficult situation," said Roupe. "The commission was without a planning director for six months, and the staff was in a state of disarray."

Roupe commended Sullivan for his efforts in facilitating order within the group in addition to bringing fresh ideas and workable solutions to the city.

"We went from a dysfunctional group to a collegiate one," added Kurasch. "Our attitudes changed as we became more efficient and we were able to give each applicant a more thorough review."

Roupe added that Sullivan has been extremely helpful in clarifying and explaining complex issues like variances to the commissioners and the public.

"It's been smooth sailing," said Jackman, who will be leaving her position as the commission's chairwoman to spend more time with her 10 grandchildren.

Jackman also commented that she will miss working with a delightful and diverse group of commissioners, although she plans to keep in touch with her peers.

"It's been great knowing that I had a part in the community," said Jackman. "If I were five years younger, I would run for another term."

For Kurasch, stepping down as the vice chairwoman does not mean that she will not be busy. Although serving on the commission was a gratifying and fulfilling experience, Kurash said, she feels it's time that she devote her attention to her husband, who has given her tremendous support throughout her four years on the commission. She will be dividing her time supporting her husband, who is training to become a counselor for families with air-victims, and volunteering at the Youth Science Institute.

Kurasch, who is the daughter of a widely recognized aeronautical pioneer and safety expert in helicopter technology, will also be working to get her father's collection displayed in museums.

Kurasch said that one of the things she would like to see in the future is more participation from the pubic in terms of coordinating neighborhood meetings. She said she would also like to see more direct interaction with the heritage commission.

The commissioners offered some words of advice to those who will be filling in their seats.

"Be open-minded when studying each case," said Jackman.

Kurasch added that commissioners should "see through the eyes of the community to judge the merits of a project."