Laserfiche WebLink
Councilmember Allen asked what opportunities and challenges are important for New Brighton to consider in <br />' addressing inclusion in New Brighton. <br />Mr. Delong stated he was uncertain how this Commission would work but he believed the members could go <br />out into the community to question them and ask what could be improved in New Brighton. He believed this <br />would provide a great deal of data. He anticipated the challenges would be on analyzing the data and what <br />would be the purview of the Commission. The group would then have to work to identify what problems <br />existed and what was creating the problems. <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas 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. Delong commented he understood there would be sensitive topics. He reported if there was something he <br />disagreed with he would express his concerns and then he would hope the group would hear the reasons why <br />he believed this. He hoped the group would be open because all people have biases and reasons for biases. <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mr. Delong 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 Ruben Vazquez. <br />Councilmember Axberg asked Mr. Vazquez 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. Vazquez stated this was the work he does for a living. He noted he has been doing this work for over 20 <br />' years. He indicated he could bring this experience, both from the public and private sector to the Commission. <br />He noted he was an immigrant, his family immigrated over 20 years ago and he understands what it is to be the <br />other. He explained he has devoted his career to be the voice for people who do not have a voice in the <br />community. <br />Councilmember Abdulle asked what are some specific goals Mr. Vazquez hopes to accomplish by serving on <br />New Brighton's Equity Commission. <br />Mr. Vazquez stated one of his goals was to have a clear understanding from the City between equity and <br />equality to make sure he was no the same page. He noted these were two very different terms and for people <br />who were not imbedded in this work, they use them interchangeable. He wanted to create a common language <br />and understanding for equity and equality. He indicated his other goal would be to push the City outside its <br />comfort zone in order to make draw folks into the work. <br />Councilmember Allen asked what opportunities and challenges are important for New Brighton to consider in <br />addressing inclusion in New Brighton. <br />Mr. Vazquez stated self-awareness would be important and to understand the City is on a journey. He <br />commented the City would also have to make sure that the people are aware of the assumptions the City is <br />making regarding its residents. He encouraged the City to remember it has power, privilege and authority, and <br />to not assume that everyone is on the same playing field. <br />' Councilmember Emily Dunsworth explained topics addressed by the Equity Commission will be sensitive, <br />emotional, and important. If he had concerns about a specific policy or issue being discussed, how would he <br />address this. <br />