Tosh Ishihara has served his community on the Lathrop Planning Commission dutifully for the last four years.

And while his term expires at the end of this month, Ishihara isn’t quite ready to go away just yet – throwing his hat into the ring for consideration for another four-year appointment to the body that helps provide oversight and guidance regarding the development in the growing California city.

Ishihara, who is currently serving as the Vice Chair of the Lathrop Manteca Fire District Board of Directors in an elected position, has worn many hats in Lathrop over the years – including serving on the Lathrop Water Board from 1984 until the city was incorporated in 1989, serving as a board member of the Disabled American Veterans of San Joaquin for nearly a decade, and serving as a member of the Lathrop High School football chain gang from the school’s first game.

A 28-year veteran of the Air Force that retired with the rank of Section Chief, Ishihara completed his education with a Bachelors Degree in Education at Stanislaus State and spent 32 years as a teacher at Stanislaus Union School District in Modesto – earning an outstanding teacher award and serving as the teacher-in-charge during his tenure in the classroom.

“I would like to be considered to be appointed to another term to oversee the continuation of our city’s growth,” Ishihara wrote on his application to the city council. “I have a great deal to contribute to our great City of Lathrop – the growth present and in the future.”

While in many communities the planning commission serves a steppingstone towards elected positions on the City Council, Lathrop’s current planning board uniquely has three active members that had previously served on the council – including two that served as mayor.

Lathrop’s first mayor, Bennie Gatto, was recently appointed to the planning commission, and former mayor Gloryanna Rhodes will serve on the body through 2022. Former councilman Steve Dresser – who narrowly lost reelection during the last cycle –  is also on the commission and will also remain through June of 2022.

The Lathrop City Council, which meets on Monday, June 8, at 7 p.m. at Lathrop City Hall – located at 390 Towne Centre Drive – will formally consider Ishihara’s appointment as part of its normal June business.

For additional information, or to view Ishihara’s application to the City of Lathrop, visit www.ci.lathrop.ca.us.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.