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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Council Worksession <br />December 2, 2021 <br />5:00 pm <br /> <br />Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas <br /> Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle <br />Councilmember Graeme Allen <br /> Councilmember Pam Axberg <br />Councilmember Emily Dunsworth <br />Absent: <br /> <br /> <br />Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust, Mark Suggs <br /> <br />Guests in Attendance: Adam Stout, Bethany Swartz, Carlos Herrera, Danci Greene, Ellen Weber, Jason <br />Steffenhuagen, Jessica McCann, Jonas Lim, Kami Miller, Karla Olantanko, Kristin Lau, Kristin Upton, Lauren <br />Freathy, Lindsay Spooner <br /> <br />Equity Commissioner Interviews <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas explained the first person to be interviewed was Bethany Swartz. <br /> <br />Councilmember Axberg asked Ms. Swartz to explain how both your personal and professional experiences will <br />help her be an effective member of the Equity Commission, if appointed. <br /> <br />Ms. Swartz stated over the past five years she has been trying to learn more about the role government has in <br />the lives of citizens. She commented there was a lot of merit to national politics, but noted people can make <br />the most impact at the local level. She indicated this was becoming a passion of hers and she was trying to <br />become more involved. She explained she had a genuine curiosity, noting this was not an area where she had a <br />lot of expertise but noted she had a desire to learn. She reported she worked at General Mills in strategy and <br />growth sector and has an MBA from the Carlson School of Management. She discussed how she identifies <br />large issues that need to be tackled by her company in order to get them where they want to be. She indicated <br />she has a background in psychology and statistics and liked to use these skills to benefit others. <br /> <br />Councilmember Abdulle asked what are some specific goals Ms. Swartz hopes to accomplish by serving on <br />New Brighton’s Equity Commission. <br /> <br />Ms. Swartz responded she would love to see the City be a more equitable place for everyone. She hoped all of <br />the people serving on the committee would have the same goal. She indicated her skill set and background <br />would be a valuable asset to the team noting she understood her perspective would not be the most valuable at <br />the table. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen asked what opportunities and challenges are important for New Brighton to consider in <br />addressing inclusion in New Brighton. <br /> <br />Ms. Swartz stated this was something she would have to learn. She indicated she does not have any expertise