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addressed. He stated another goal would be to find a way to draw minority businesses to New Brighton. In <br />' addition, he would like to see more minority people becoming involved in the 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. McQuillan stated be believed the biggest issue was housing. He reported he has lived in the community <br />for 35 years. He noted he has a big house and a big yard. He discussed how rental units were more for a <br />transient population and did not allow the renters to build wealth. He encouraged the City to find a way to help <br />minorities find affordable single family homes. <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. McQuillan commented he would address these concerns in the same manner he does on the Planning <br />Commission. He noted he and his colleagues on the Planning Commission do not always agree but he would <br />try and be logical and even. He indicated he then listens to opinions of others noting he makes decisions that <br />were best for the community. <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mr. McQuillan 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 Danci Greene. <br />Councilmember Axberg asked Ms. Greene 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. Greene stated both per personal and professional life has tied together or time. She noted she has worked <br />in non -profits her entire career noting she used to work for Tubman as an advocate for family violence. She <br />discussed the issues that arose and disparity rates between the persons of color versus white persons who were <br />experiencing family violence. She commented she now works for Emerge Community Development in North <br />Minneapolis. She reported the purpose of this organization was to work with people who were hard to employ <br />or those who were repressed, such as people of color, coming out of incarceration, veterans, the homeless, or <br />those with a low education. She indicated the work she does served and impacted the community. <br />Councilmember Abdulle asked what are some specific goals Ms. Greene hopes to accomplish by serving on <br />New Brighton's Equity Commission. <br />Ms. Greene responded her goals would be to become more involved in the community. She indicated this was <br />work she was already going professionally. She thought she could bring her professional work to the <br />community. She discussed how New Brighton has become her home. She explained she has a different set of <br />skills because of her work addressing disparities and would like to use this knowledge to help New Brighton. <br />Councilmember Allen asked what opportunities and challenges are important for New Brighton to consider in <br />addressing inclusion in New Brighton. <br />Ms. Greene stated one of the biggest challenges is that a lot of equity issues are stemming from policies and <br />' practices that are happening. She commented this could be stemming from policies in place at apartment <br />complexes. She believed there needed to be better understanding and a deeper look should be taken into these <br />policies and how they create disparities. She reported there were generational issues and traumas that are <br />impacting current generations. <br />