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IhAffON <br />the city that works for you <br />Council Worksession <br />April 12, 2016 <br />5:00 pm <br />Present: Mayor Valerie Johnson <br />Councilmember Gina Bauman <br />Councilmember Brian Strub <br />Councilmember Paul Jacobsen <br />Councilmember Mary Burg <br />Absent: <br />Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter, Bob Jacobson <br />Guests in Attendance: George Howard, Nathan Macheski <br />Interview Student Applicant for Public Safety Commission <br />Mayor Johnson explained the Council would be interviewing George Howard for the student position on the <br />Public Safety Commission. She asked George Howard what were the three most important responsibilities that <br />he as a commissioner would have to the community. George Howard believed inclusivity was important to a <br />community and that the government would be serving all groups. He thought honesty was another important <br />trait to have, while also having a comprehensive, broad knowledge of the community. <br />Councilmember Burg thanked Mr. Howard for applying for this position. She asked why he feels he would be <br />a good person for this position. Mr. Howard explained he was born and raised in Liberia. He stated his <br />parents and grandmother raised him to be an open person with good values. He believed those values, along <br />with his life experiences would benefit to the group. <br />Councilmember Bauman requested Mr. Howard describe the contact he has had with the New Brighton Public <br />Safety Department. Mr. Howard indicated he has had all positive interactions with the public safety <br />department. He noted Officer Sapinski worked at his school for a number of years. He was a great officer in <br />the school. <br />Councilmember Strub requested Mr. Howard describe any training or relevant experience that he has that <br />would benefit the City of New Brighton. Mr. Howard stated he was born and raised in Liberia. He <br />commented his experience with the government there was not the best. There was bribery and general <br />dysfunction. He saw governmental mistakes first hand. For this reason, he did not want to see this happen <br />again. He wanted to stop that from happening in his community. He wanted to ensure the community was run <br />honestly. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen asked what motivated Mr. Howard to apply for the position on the Public Safety <br />Commission. Mr. Howard stated inclusivity was a huge thing to him. He explained this was his community <br />and has been for the last seven years. He explained that if he had a chance to better his community by being <br />involved he would do so. <br />Lotter requested Mr. Howard provide the Council with additional information about himself, his interest. Mr. <br />Howard reported he spends a lot of time doing research on points of interest, such as business and politics. He <br />