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Mr. Vazquez commented he would listen and learn from different perspectives. In addition, he would have to <br />understand that different perspectives were not wrong, but just different. He indicated he asked a lot of <br />questions, in order to understand. He explained he would put himself in a vulnerable position to try to see <br />other peoples perspective. <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mr. Vazquez 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 Robert Buck. <br />Councilmember Axberg asked Mr. Buck to explain how both your personal and professional experiences will <br />help him be an effective member of the Equity Commission, if appointed. <br />Mr. Buck stated he has lived in New Brighton for over 50 years. He indicated he knows a lot of people and has <br />volunteered at different institutions in the community such as the schools and local churches. <br />Councilmember Abdulle asked what are some specific goals Mr. Buck hopes to accomplish by serving on New <br />Brighton's Equity Commission. <br />Mr. Buck responded he has coached both soccer and baseball over the years. He reported after the games there <br />are other kids around in the park from other countries and they ask to play. He commented he wants these kids <br />to play but was having a hard time explaining how the registration process works to the parents. He stated he <br />would like to see this process fixed or streamlined. He understood this was only the tip of the iceberg but noted <br />he would like the City to work through the red tape and barriers. <br />' Councilmember Allen asked what opportunities and challenges are important for New Brighton to consider in <br />addressing inclusion in New Brighton. <br />Mr. Buck stated he believed the assets of the community provided great opportunity. He appreciated all of the <br />good people in the City that were willing to help. He indicated these people have to be asked to step forward in <br />order to help. <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. Buck commented in this environment he would have to listen and understand things would not be fixed on <br />the spot. Rather, he would have to try and understand why this person was saying what they are saying and <br />listen to the issues. <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mr. Buck for coming in and applying for this position. She noted City Clerk <br />Spangrud would be in touch with further information on how the Council was moving forward. She explained <br />the next person to be interviewed was Sanja Obradovic. <br />Councilmember Axberg asked Ms. Obradovic to explain how both your personal and professional experiences <br />will help her be an effective member of the Equity Commission, if appointed. <br />Ms. Obradovic stated she was an immigrant from Bosnia and came to the States in 1999 after the war. She <br />' reported she had the privilege of attending the University of Minnesota where she completed her MBA and <br />was currently work for Microsoft. She noted she led a team that was focused a variety of initiatives, one being <br />diversity and inclusion. She stated she has lived in New Brighton since 2014 with her husband and children. <br />She indicated she loved the melting pot of the City. <br />