04/23/1984 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e individuals presently on the commission; he felt that Mr. Fraser would address the needs of the older citizens to the commission. He felt that the City should study all boards and commissions in terms of their representativeness to ensure that the needs and concerns of all groups were addressed. Councilor Schue clarified that the press conference on the Downtown Commission appointment was called by the Women's Commission and not by any member of the City Council. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the balance of the City Council join in a unanimous appointment of Mr. Fraser and that Stephanie Pearl be designated as a first alternate to the Downtown Commission. Councilor Ball echoed the comments of Ms. Schue, stating that the press con- ference was held not on the specific issue of the appointment to the Downtown Commission but to draw attention to the fact that the pattern of council appointments was not living up to the affirmative action commitments previously made by the City Council. He said that women and other groups were not eQually represented on the various boards and commissions in terms of their constituency in the community. He stressed that the council must implement the process which would allow all members of the community to participate in the governmental process which influenced their lives. He said it was this intent on which the comments made at the press conference were based. e Councilor Obie commented that Mr. Fraser had strong feelings about the issues of women's rights and that the Women's Rights Commission had made an equally strong point with regard to the balance of the council. He said it was equally impor- tant that council appointees have the full support of the council, particularly when any disagreement was based on philosophical differences rather than on the capabilities of the applicants. He felt that the present motion provides an opportunity to illustrate a unified council commitment to the Downtown Commis- sion and to the appointee and minorities involved. Councilor Nichols said she was unaware of any process for providing alternates for commissions and boards. She felt that designating Ms. Pearl as an alternate might be considered an insult. Mayor Keller stated that some of the representa- tives to the Human Rights Commission had designated alternates. While this would be a new process, he stated that this would be part of the decision-making. Mr. Obie stated that the reason behind the motion was to show council support for the appointee. Councilor Hansen suggested that Mr. Obie withdraw his motion, stating that he saw no purpose in having the council revote and reconfirm Mr. Fraser. He stated that a majority of the council voted to appoint Mr. Fraser. He did not feel that the dissenting vote implied that the individual appointed would not have the complete support of the council. He said that another vote might only create more division. He felt that Ms. Pearl would be given strong considera- tion to any opening and that Mr. Fraser would be a great asset to the Downtown Commission. He added that another vote would be inappropriate and an injustice to both Mr. Fraser and Ms. Pearl. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 1984 Page 11