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Councilor Kelly supported the motion, commending Ms. Leval's interview. He noted that most Budget Committee members, unlike the Planning Commission, lived north of the river, and Ms. Leval was a westside resident. In addition, he thought Ms. Leval brought "age diversity" to the Budget Committee. Councilor Meisner said he was unsure of how to vote, noting his strong interest in another candidate. Councilor Rayor was also unsure of how to vote. He thought there was a need for better gender representation on the committee. He said that vocal participation on the committee was important to him. He regretted he had not been present at the Budget Citizen Subcommittee meetings to know that Ms. Solomon did a good job, adding that "I heard that." He had not checked the record but could not recall Ms. Solomon speaking at a Budget Committee meeting, and said if someone could refresh his memory of that he could support her candidacy. Councilor Pap~ said that it appeared to him that the council was not reappointing Ms. Solomon, who did an adequate if not good job on the committee, because of her participation on the Gang of 9 and people were "out to get her." Councilor Bettman said her current objective in making the appointments to the Budget Committee was to achieve economic diversity. She supported the motion, saying Ms. Leval was very enthusiastic and had done a great deal of policy work at the federal level. She did not think it appropriate to have a Budget Committee that was drawn consistently from one socio-economic class. A more diverse committee would make decisions in the best interests of the entire community. Councilor Farr wondered if any councilors spoke to other Budget Committee members about Ms. Solomon; he had, and his consultation with the chair indicated his belief that Ms. Solomon made a good committee member and participated actively at meetings. He said that, like the council, some members of the Budget Committee speak at great length and the result was that those with less to say did not get a chance to speak or just decide not to request time. Councilor Fart noted the support expressed for Ms. Solomon by the chair of the committee. He said if the motion passed, the second largest ward in the city would have no members on either the Planning Commission or the Budget Committee. In response to the comments of Councilor Papd, Councilor Meisner said that he had no objection to the Gang of 9. He also was not concerned about the amount of time Ms. Solomon spent speaking in committee meetings, but he wanted to know the basis for her votes. Councilor Meisner added that he found it ironic that while the Gang of 9 was telling the City it was going in the wrong direction, Ms. Solomon supported all the motions considered by the Budget Committee except for the match for the Sister City Program. He wanted to know "what's wrong." MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 26, 2001 Page 19 Regular Meeting