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' Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas 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. Greene commented this comes up in her current work all the time. She stated she has always practiced her <br />community work assuming a positive intent from others. She discussed how important it was to be effective at <br />communicating along with being a good listener. She anticipated the people in this group would have to be ok <br />with being uncomfortable. <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Ms. Greene 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 Gene Delaune. <br />Councilmember Axberg asked Mr. Delaune 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. Delaune stated he has been around for a few years, been a few places and he and his wife have raised three <br />children. He reported he has been fortunate to have a mix of organizational experiences noting he served on the <br />EDC, with the Boy Scouts, Friends of the Elderly and each group has a demographics sector that is the focus of <br />the organization. He believed he was able to listen reasonably well and could analyze topics while respecting <br />other peoples opinions. <br />Councilmember Abdulle asked what are some specific goals Mr. Delaune hopes to accomplish by serving on <br />New Brighton's Equity Commission. <br />Mr. Delaune responded he did not have a specific list. He commented he choose to retire in New Brighton and <br />will remain here until the good Lord says otherwise. He indicated he was not a pillar of the community but was <br />involved in the neighborhood and church. He stated he told others about his quality of life in the community. <br />He anticipated this group was not far enough along to have identified its strategic priorities when it comes to <br />diversity, equity and inclusion. He explained he was encouraged to see that the task force concluded there were <br />no quick and easy solutions. He discussed how the world was ever changing and stated he was impressed by <br />how the demographics of the community was changing. <br />Councilmember Allen asked what opportunities and challenges are important for New Brighton to consider in <br />addressing inclusion in New Brighton. <br />Mr. Delaune stated again that he appreciated the fact the Council understood there would be no quick and easy <br />solutions. He believed this Commission would go through processes, with socio-economic considerations that <br />would be ongoing. He commented as this Commission is formed he was hopeful that the City would have <br />members from the BIPOC community that would step forward to provide input and leadership. He indicated <br />the input from these individuals would be more valuable than his. He <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. Delaune commented if the Commission and its process does not include sensitive, emotional and <br />important issues than it wasn't digging into what it was all about. He stated should he be selected, he would <br />respect the individuals selected to this group. He explained over time he has learned to listen and pay attention <br />because most people have story and are people of integrity. <br />