EC Nebraska News

Longtime Columbus resident Robbin Cutsor was recently appointed to the Planning Commission, which brings an end to her nine-year run on the parks board.

Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley announced Cutsor’s most recent appointment during the June 5th City Council meeting, noting she’s filling the unexpired term of Kimberly Hoefer. With permission from Council, the two-week waiting period was waived and Cutsor was able to assume her new responsibilities immediately.

The Planning Commission is a committee appointed by a governing body that is responsible for directing the short-and-long range growth and development of jurisdiction through maintenance and implementation of the city’s associated specific plans, rules and regulations.

“I had never even heard of that committee, but I read up on what it was about and wanted to learn more,” Cutsor said. “I’ve always just wanted to be involved; I want to make an impact, help people and be a good citizen of Columbus.”

The mayor and City Administrator Tara Vasicek reached out to Cutsor about filling the open spot on the Planning Commission. Bulkley said she was a logical choice.

“We’re very excited. We’re always looking for someone who has the passion and willingness to make a commitment, and Robbin has certainly shown that with her time on the park board,” Bulkley said. “She had expressed interest in being more involved in the community, and we just felt this was a great opportunity for someone who has already been involved to take on a different level of responsibility.”

A Columbus native who spent some time in nearby Genoa before moving back home years ago, Cutsor has worked as the office manager for Schaecher Prokopec Wealth Management since 2013. She’s been heavily involved in efforts for Peace Lutheran Church and with various community nonprofits, such as Relay for Life of Platte County, CASA Connection and Columbus Cancer Care Foundation, which helps raise funds for cancer patients and their families.

“What I learned while on the park board and my church board is that I am a doer. I would rather be involved and doing something, making a difference!” said Cutsor, who has been married to her husband, Joel, for 26 years, and has a daughter, Reagan.

“I’d like this community to be a place where my daughter and nieces come back to raise their families someday. I want to be a part of the growth of this community”

The mayor said Cutsor is a great example of someone who has a full plate but still finds time to get involved in community initiatives. He said those who have an interest in serving their community but are unsure of what they would like to do can always reach out to him, Vasicek and other City officials to express their interest. They’ll find you a role you’re comfortable taking on (a person will be appointed to the park board to fill the remainder of Cutsor’s term on it).

Cutsor reiterated that point, recalling how she was just looking for an opportunity to serve nine years ago when City Public Property Director Doug Moore asked her about joining the park board. She had worked with him via organizing efforts in the park for Relay for Life but decided to jump at the chance despite not having experience. She said it has been great to serve on committees and learn more about the community while also making a difference.

“If you feel there should be valued changes in our community, no matter where you live or what you do, the only way those changes can be heard is to put yourself out there and participate in organizations in Columbus.” Cutsor said. 

“Everybody has ideas to make changes here.  Whether it is the growing downtown area or the shopping they wish we had! Get involved, be a part of something bigger than yourself! It’s worth the time you put in! Being an active citizen of Columbus is your chance to give back and be a part if this community and make it a better place.”

The Columbus City Council discussed a lot of topics at the June 5th meeting. To learn about the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Board being formally approved, read that story here. To learn more about ongoing discussions about rural EMS, read that story here.  Council meetings will also begin an hour earlier starting in August 2023. Learn more about that here.

Original source can be found here.