Something isn't right in Canyon County. Five resignations within a couple of days raises all kinds of red flags. But nobody is talking.

Here's the deal: Four Planning and Zoning commissioners have or will resign, citing a variety of personal reasons. The moves follow Friday's resignation of Canyon County's development director, Wayne Forrey.

Jeffrey Hess, who had served as chairman of the commission, vice chairman Jack Lyman, secretary Larry Kostka and L. Merritt McKay have all announced their resignations to county commissioners.

"It was kind of coincidental," Canyon County Commissioner Steve Rule said. "A couple of them had been talking about it for a while."Attempts to contact Hess by phone Tuesday were unsuccessful.

His letter of resignation, effective Oct. 29, states he is resigning "per a phone call with Commissioner (David) Ferdinand."

Canyon County spokeswoman Angie Sillonis said details beyond the letter could not be divulged because Planning and Zoning commissioners are considered county staff, making the resignation a personnel matter.

Here's the rest of the story that we published. But I'm sure there's a whole lot more to this latest development. First off, I highly doubt that this was "coincidental." I suspect some of the members were thinking about resigning because of hectic schedules, but Forrey's very sudden departure opens the door for all kinds of speculation.

I personally think this part of the sentence above — "per a phone call with Commissioner (David) Ferdinand" — doesn't mean the phone call was coincidental. Who made the call? Did Ferdinand ask Hess to resign and the others followed in protest?

You have to wonder, too, what kind of changes we're going to see with planning and zoning decisions. Will there be a total shift in what gets approved?

If you have some insight, drop me a line at vholbrook@idahopress.com or call me at 465-8110.