The Auburn Office of Planning and Economic Development is losing a 15-year employee. Planning and Economic Development Program Manager Cynthia Aikman put in her two-week notice Tuesday.

Her last day is scheduled for Sept. 17.

She dealt heavily with Empire Zones and recently attended a conference in Las Vegas to attract businesses.

In a letter to Jennifer Haines, Office of Planning and Economic Development director, Aikman said she would be willing to have an exit interview in which she would offer “frank answers.”

She added she decided to resign “reluctantly and with a great deal of thoughtful consideration.”

Aikman also wrote a letter to the editor thanking businesses for their trust and wishing luck to the mayor and his supporters on council in attracting thousands of high-paying jobs in Auburn.

The planning office has experienced much turnover over the past year. Former director Steve Lynch left for a job with Cayuga County in August 2006. Haines was promoted to take fill that vacancy.

Former Planning and Economic Development Program Manager Christopher DeProspero jumped from the planning department to the treasurer's office when treasurer Marie Nellenback resigned.

Two weeks ago, Haines petitioned to the Auburn Civil Service to promote assistant planner Bruce Sherman to planner.