07-27-15 Personnel and Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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PERSONNEL & FINANCE Committee Members Present: Citizen Members Present: Other Council Present: Others Present: Agenda: JULY 27, 2015 5:55 P.M. Karen White, Valerie Schey, Derek Dieter (XAB), Dr. Fred Ferlic Valerie Mora -Kraus (AB) Tim Scott, Henry Davis Jr., Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis (XAB), Gavin Ferlic Bob Emery, Richard Herbst, Jennifer Jones Interview for Human Rights Commission The Personnel and Finance Committee scheduled a meeting to interview candidates who had submitted an application to be a member of the Human Rights Commission (HRC). Opening the meeting Karen White, Chair of the Committee, noted a quorum was present. She also indicated there were six applicants; two whom been interviewed at the July 13th meeting. Each candidate was interviewed individually. In turn, each was asked two common questions. Those were, why they wanted to serve and what they saw as the number one problem facing the HRC and ways to deal with it. Bob Emery was first. Bob expressed a desirability to raise disability awareness. He cited his ongoing commitment to be an advocate for people with neuromuscular conditions. As to the first problem in the community, Bob spoke to an inequality of opportunity for minorities. Richard Herbst was next. He spoke to his involvement advocating for people experiencing discrimination primarily in the housing sector. He went on to say this was the first problem facing the HRC. He felt education was key to nipping these problems in the bud. Jennifer Jones followed. She spoke to her desire to go to law school, a desire reinforced by conversations about equality while a student at IUSB. Jennifer saw education and communication as key to acceptance of diverse lifestyles. Pride month for the gay community was cited as an example of raising positive awareness. Joel Barrett was the final interviewee. Joel said it was an important and exciting time for the LGBT Community in South Bend. He felt economic disparity and transgender rights are the biggest HRC challenge. He felt protections at all levels and for all discriminations especially in housing and employment was the biggest task ahead. Education again being key.