01-23-06 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 23, 2006 COMMENTS BY MR. HENRY MASCOT CONCERNING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 9 OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE Henry Mascot, 17989 Edgewood Walk, stated that he is a member of South Bend Equality, who support the amendment to Article 9 of the Human Rights Ordinance, which would make it illegal to discriminate against people based upon their sexual orientation or gender identity in the areas of employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Mr. Mascot read into the record a letter from Ms. Rose Meissner: June 16, 2005 Dear Members of the South Bend Common Council, I write to support an amendment to Article 9 of the Human Rights Ordinance, which would make it illegal to discriminate against people based upon their sexual orientation or gender identity in the areas of employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. I believe that this amendment is sensible public policy, is in out city’s economic interests, and will help South Bend create a mor competitive and productive economy. As head of a community organization dedicated to improving our community and shaping out future, I have had an opportunity over the years to read extensively on what constitutes a healthy community and what determines whether a community will wax or wane in the years to come. There is substantial research to suggest the prospects are brightest for communities that promote tolerance and value diversity. The proposed amendment to Article 9 is not only in our community’s best interest, it is also just, for this reason, I strongly encourage you to approve it. Sincerely, Rose Meissner COMMENTS BY MR. JOHN MARSH CONCERNING THE PROPOSED SMOKING BAN IN ST. JOSEPH COUNTY John Martz, 4328 Fellows Street, South Bend, Indiana, encourage the South Bend Common Council to talk to their fellow constituents on the St. Joseph County Council to straighten out the mess regarding the proposed smoking ban in the county. Mr. Marsh stated that it is going to be very hard to enforce no smoking in small mom & pop owned restaurants and businesses. The banning of smoking altogether in these small businesses could affect them to the point of having to close their doors. He urged the City Council to get involved to offer advice to a respectful solution. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, President Rouse adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m. ATTEST: ATTEST: __________________________ __________________________ John Voorde, City Clerk Timothy A. Rouse, President 18