PARIS – The Board of Selectmen approved several changes to the Planning Board on Monday after one of its members turned in his resignation.

In a letter dated Aug. 5, Al Atkinson protested the recent decision by the selectmen to not reappoint Ron Fitts as an alternate to the Planning Board.

Selectmen’s Chairman Raymond Glover has said that he does not believe developers – Fitts is one – should be on the Planning Board.

Atkinson stated that the selectmen’s decision was contrary to the Planning Board ordinance.

“It is my belief that this type of bias and discrimination against any legitimate profession is unreasonable and contrary to what constitutes a democracy that represents all the people,” Atkinson stated.

He also said the Planning Board has failed to follow proper procedures at its meetings.

“It is assumed by the citizens of Paris that the Planning Board is there to protect the interests of all the town and to guide and help the applicants in a planned growth for the town in a positive, friendly manner,” Atkinson stated. “That has not been the case and the goal of the board must be redirected from its current attitude of finding ways to stifle growth and actions that embarrass clients.”

Fitts and resident Jean Smart were appointed as alternate members to the Planning Board in March.

Atkinson’s term was scheduled to end July 31, 2012. Selectmen voted 3-1 to appoint Smart as a full member of the Planning Board to replace Atkinson.

Selectmen also voted to appoint Sgt. Rick McAlister, a crash reconstruction specialist with the Maine State Police, as an alternate to the Planning Board.