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NEW <br /> BRIGHTON <br /> building tomorrow today <br /> Council Worksession <br /> March 5, 2019 <br /> 5:00 pm <br /> Present: Mayor Valerie Johnson <br /> Councilmember Mary Burg <br /> Councilmember Emily Dunsworth <br /> Absent: Councilmember Graeme Allen <br /> Councilmember Paul Jacobsen <br /> Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter, Terri Spangrud <br /> Guests in Attendance: <br /> Commissioner Applicant Interviews <br /> Mayor Johnson welcomed Ache Wakai. She asked Ache to tell the Council a little bit about himself and his <br /> experiences in the community. <br /> Ache Wakai stated he moved to New Brighton from Texas in 2010. He noted he served as an election judge. <br /> He indicated he has met a lot of people in the City. He reported he a Master's Degree and worked now for <br /> Dow Chemical. He explained he wanted to get involved in government and that he liked being involved in the <br /> environment. <br /> Councilmember Burg asked why he had decided to apply to serve on a City Commission. <br /> Mr. Wakai explained he was from a country (Cameroon) where the environment is poor and he has seen a lot <br /> of problems with water. This motivated him to become more involved. <br /> Councilmember Dunsworth asked why he would be a good person to represent the community and advise the <br /> City Council. <br /> Mr. Wakai stated stemming from his background he has some knowledge on this and his experiences were <br /> important as well. <br /> Mayor Johnson asked what the most important responsibilities a commission member had to the community. <br /> Mr. Wakai commented he believed it would be important to inform the community on the issues and try to <br /> encourage them to be good members of the community, to take care of the environment. In addition, he would <br /> serve as a leader,working to educate the public while also participating in meetings. <br /> Councilmember Burg asked how he would respond if a member of the community were to contact him <br /> expressing opposition to an item being addressed by your commission, and what if these actions came from a <br /> long-time friend. <br /> Mr. Wakai stated if someone came to him and wanted to talk about things, he would tell this person why the <br />