Item 2G: Interim Appointment to Human Rights Commission

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ATTACHMENT C Human Rights Commission City of Eugene 833 Willamette M Eugene, Oregon 97401 EMORANDUM (541) 682-5177 (541) 682-5221 Fax www.eugene-or.gov/hrc Date: May 22, 2007 To: Mayor Piercy and City Council From: Carmen X. Urbina, Human Rights Commission, Chair Subject: Interim Human Rights Commission Appointment The Human Rights Commission is seeking to appoint an individual to fill the unexpired term of Rebecca Flynn whose term expires on October 31, 2008. When vacancies on the commission occur, the Eugene Code requires the City Council to “…appoint within 90 days of the position becoming vacant a person to complete the unexpired term from the membership of the commission’s standing committees.” In order to expedite the appointment process, the council’s past practice has been to solicit recommendations for interim appointments from the commission members. As you are aware, the HRC is charged with representing the needs and concerns of all people in Eugene, especially those who are made vulnerable because of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partner status, national origin, source of income, and marital and familial status. Representation from various vulnerable communities on the commission helps ensure that many voices and issues are heard. The commission values individuals who bring their issues to the table and at the same time exhibit a willingness to work on a broad range of topics. The Commission received two applications for the opening. We are pleased with the skills and passion of both individuals and we consider ourselves fortunate to have their applications. Our only regret is that only one of the two can be appointed. The two applicants are: Mary Otten, Accessibility Committee Mo Young, Education and Outreach Committee Both candidates have been actively involved in a variety of committee and commission efforts. Mary Otten has been a dedicated member of the Accessibility Committee since 2005. Mary, who has a visual disability, has taken the lead on a number of committee projects. Mary was the driving force behind the successful effort to secure funding for and prioritize the installation of accessible pedestrian signals at signalized crosswalk intersections. She has also taken the lead on projects dealing with accessibility to public information and accessible library services. Mary’s past professional experience as a public employee and her connections with people with L:\CMO\2007 Council Agendas\M070529\S0705292G-attC.doc