11-08-10 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 8, 2010 NEW BUSINESS Councilmember Oliver Davis announced that the new TRANSPO facility located in Ignition Park was open for business today. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. advised that he is currently looking into the removal of the graffiti that was recently found on the St. Joseph County Courthouse and the Lafayette Building. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR COMMENTS REGARDING BILL NO. 30-10 ADDRESSING EMPLOYMENT FAIRNESS Rhonda Redman, 518 N. Scott Street, Apt. A., South Bend, Indiana, stated that even though Bill No. 30-10 did not pass, she would like to thank the Bill’s sponsors Councilmember’s, Puzzello, Kirsits and Oliver Davis. She stated that their foresight, sense of justice, and basic human decency should stand as examples for all. Ms. Redman th stated that after the vote on October 25, South Bend Equality led a rally to the South Bend Human Rights Commission. This rally consisted of over 100 citizens and Mayor Stephen J. Luecke. She stated that despite being hurt and disappointed by the vote, they were able to sing, smile and laugh because they know that the fight is not over. Ms. Redman stated that there are still leaders of this community who will and have taken the risk to do the right thing. Ms. Redman passed out thank you posters to Councilmember’s Puzzello, Kirsits and Oliver Davis. Don Willman, 841 S. Lake Street, South Bend, Indiana, thanked Councilmember Oliver Davis for his courage to stand-up for what he believes and is willing to fight for it. He thanked Councilmember Oliver Davis for his common sense approach and for telling it like it is. Mr. Willman stated that the city needs more Councilmember’s to do the right thing, even when the right thing is difficult. He thanked Oliver for trying to put the stth community into the 21 Century instead of pulling it back to the 18 Century. Mary Porter, 501 Woodridge Drive, South Bend, Indiana, thanked the South Bend Human Rights Commission for their help with Bill No. 30-10. She stated that she greatly appreciated the courage of the South Bend Human Rights Commissioner’s and their President, Penny Hughes who has been an advocate against employment discrimination for many years. She thanked South Bend Human Rights Commission Director, Lonnie Douglas for all his support against discrimination. She also thanked Aladean DeRose, South Bend Human Rights Commission Attorney, who has over 20 years experience in mediation. She thanked her for her knowledge and ability to explain complex legal issues and who is known for her excellent research skills. She thanked her for all her research and who argues eloquently based on the history of the Human Rights Commission that an individual should be judge on the ability to perform a job an not on other irrelevant factors such as race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. She also thanked and presented a thank you card to Glenda Rae Hernandez, Secretary, South Bend Human Rights Commission who has served for twenty-six (26) years on the Commission. Glenda Rae Hernandez, 702 E. South Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she accepts the card on behalf of the South Bend Human Rights Commission and wished that the outcome of Bill No. 30-10 had been different. Catherine Pittman, 2628 Summit Ridge Drive, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is speaking on behalf of South Bend Quality. She recited a quoted from Professor Curoso from the Notre Dame Law School because it expresses a belief that they truly embrace: “law isn’t merely an exercise of power it has a larger purpose that purpose is to serve the good and dignity of human persons.” Ms. Pittman then began to thank those individuals and businesses who have been in support of South Bend Equality since 2004, when Bill No. 29-06 was defeated. Ms. Pittman stated they at South Bend Equality are as committee to this cause will continue to fight for equal rights for all GLBT persons in South Bend until their goal is achieved and the dignity of all residents is affirmed. 11