2020.04.27 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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easier for those people to move towards that goal. He commented when he was talking to his wife about this open seat she asked if he would think about running in November. He stated he had not necessary decided to do this, but thought it would be great because he had served, somebody else that looks like him wanted to serve. He would love to be that catalyst. He commended the City Council for their efforts but stated he would like the Council to be more reflective of the community it serves. Mayor Johnson thanked Mr. Vazquez for his responses. She asked if the Council had any follow up questions. There were none. She then inquired if Mr. Vazquez had any follow up questions for the Council. Mr. Vazquez questioned what the Council was looking for in this short term appointment. Councilmember Jacobsen explained he was looking for an appointee that could handle COVID-19 and the entire budget process. He stated it would have been easier to make this appointment in January in order to allow this person to get up to speed. However, the appointment was being made now. He indicated it would be important for this person to be able to plug in and help the Council make important decisions in the coming months. Councilmembers Dunsworth stated she wanted someone who was actively engaged. She reported she has been on the Council for the past two years and was still learning new things. She did not expect the appointee would know everything or could learn everything in just nine months, but wanted someone who cared and was actively engaged. She indicated this would be most important to her. Councilmember Allen commented on the selection process that has been followed for the City Council candidates. He noted the candidates being considered had some level of interaction with City government. He wanted to see someone who was willing to learn quickly and ask questions, in addition to everything else the other Councilmembers had said. Mayor Johnson stated the Council has some very important decisions to make and the City would be tested financially. She indicated the people who are most marginalized are going to feel the impact from COVID-19 the most. She explained the City Council had to take care of the entire community, the staff and its businesses. She commented this pandemic will end and the City Council will need to be ready to keep the community moving forward. Mr. Vazquez stated in 2016 he ran for office at a State level and he was aware of what it is like to be running for office. He explained he understood the importance of door knocking and listening to different perspectives. He commented he heard from a lot of people that did not agree with him and this was okay. He asked what was missing from the Council, what voice was missing. Mayor Johnson indicated this was decided by the voters. She stated the current City Council comes to 5-0 votes because it has talked through matters and there was an agreement that this vote was in the best interest for New Brighton. She believed that the voice that was missing needed to be decided by the voters. She understood there were pockets in the community that could be more represented but she believed the Council has been purposeful and proactive to invite these communities to be a part of New Brighton. She understood there was room for improvement, but she wanted everybody to enjoy the New Brighton that she has loved. Councilmember Jacobsen indicated the City will be missing Mary Burg. He commented he could not fill her shoes. He respected Mary Burg and considered her a mentor. He agreed with the Mayor that the City Council served as a voice for the voters. He stated this was an election year and he wanted the City to move forward and not take any steps backwards.