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as to what this looks like in New Brighton. She believed the City's biggest opportunity would be to get to some <br />' of the underlying root causes and biases that are built into the City's structure. She supported the City taking a <br />critical eye to look at what slight tweaks that could be made to make profound changes for the community. <br />She stated she was excited to apply for this group because the work was not so big, but rather she would be <br />able to see progress made by this group. She discussed the current political environment and noted she <br />understood there was always resistance to change. <br />Councilmember Dunsworth explained topics addressed by the Equity Commission will be sensitive, emotional, <br />and important. If she had concerns about a specific policy or issue being discussed, how would she address <br />this. <br />Ms. Swartz commented she understood there would be sensitive topics. She indicated she tried to be cognizant <br />of how people were reacting, without being the loudest person in the room. Rather, she likes to analyze <br />situations and simplify root causes. She would want to show care and see each person's voice valued and <br />supported. <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Ms. Swartz for coming in and applying for this position. She noted City <br />Clerk Spangrud would be in touch with further information on how the Council was moving forward. She <br />explained the next person to be interviewed was Carlos Herrera. <br />Councilmember Axberg asked Mr. Herrera to explain how both your personal and professional experiences <br />will help him be an effective member of the Equity Commission, if appointed. <br />Mr. Herrera stated he was 73 years old. He commented through the years he has met a lot of people, provided <br />1 help and it made him grow. <br />Councilmember Abdulle asked what are some specific goals Mr. Herrera hopes to accomplish by serving on <br />New Brighton's Equity Commission. <br />Mr. Herrera responded he was happy to have made it to 73 years of age. He explained he just wants to help the <br />City. <br />Councilmember Allen asked what opportunities and challenges are important for New Brighton to consider in <br />addressing inclusion in New Brighton. <br />Mr. Herrera stated he believed the City was doing a good job. He noted he liked New Brighton and the people <br />in this community. He believed New Brighton has a lot of opportunities to grow and prosper. He indicated he <br />liked the diversity in the community. <br />Councilmember Dunsworth explained topics addressed by the Equity Commission will be sensitive, emotional, <br />and important. If he had concerns about a specific policy or issue being discussed, how would he address this. <br />Mr. Herrera commented he would address this in a nice way, encouraging people to sit down together in order <br />to discuss the matter. <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mr. Herrera for coming in and applying for this position. She noted City <br />' Clerk Spangrud would be in touch with further information on how the Council was moving forward. She <br />explained the next person to be interviewed was Ellen Weber. <br />Councilmember Axberg asked Ms. Weber to explain how both your personal and professional experiences will <br />