The City of Auburn will start the search for a new director of planning and community development after the abrupt departure of the department’s top official last Friday.

City officials would not clarify whether Cindy Baker, who was hired Oct. 19, 2007, resigned or was fired.

“Cindy Baker is no longer with us,” Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis confirmed Monday evening. “We left on good terms. It was just a difference in philosophy.”

Assistant Planning Director Kevin Snyder replaces Baker as interim director of planning and community development. Lewis expects that Snyder will remain in the position for at least six months.

“I have a great deal of confidence in interim director Snyder, and I look forward to working with him,” Lewis said.

Baker came to Auburn after completing community development director positions at the City of Woodinville and with Kitsap County. She was a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and brought 25 years of experience to the job.

The City has experienced some difficulty keeping people in the position.

Baker replaced former director Michael Davolio, who was hired in October of 2006 and relieved of his duties in April of 2007.

Community Development Administrator David Osaki served as interim director from April to October of 2007 after the sudden resignation of former director Paul Krauss on July 21, 2006.