Item 6: Interim Appointment to Human Rights Commission

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Attachment #2 APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMKNT TO HITMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Stephen R. Smith 128 :Lynnbrook DriV{~ Eugene, OR 97404 1. .., SUPPLElVIENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE What do vou see as the role of a Human Rights Commi5/sioner? . First and foremost, I see a Human Rights Conunissioner as a lea4~I in the local eftbrt to establish or perpetuate respect and understanding among citizens of our community tor each other. A Commissioner takes very seriously the role to be an _ J ~ example of how we treat each other in the community, how we interact to improve equity and fairness among community members, how we encourage open and safe dialogue about issues on which we may disagree, Secondly, a Commissioner needs to t:eel a responsibility (1) to encourage educational opportuniti{~s around human rights issues, and (2) to teach each other that none of us has all the answers, and that progress comes through sharing information and evolving cooperative plans and actions, Thirdly, I think a Human Rights Commissioner needs to find a focal point for his or her involvement, take responsibility for promoting the HRC mission, and be dedicated to foHo\ving up with a personal plan of action with regard to th(~ Commission's Work Plan (standing committee work representative to community group(s), and more.). . . What three major issues d{Umdd.f}11LfJ'31~JgJ-:~t!.!g.1lU(J;g!.t!.m_W!.t.tygt:f:'ugene over the next 20J'ears? ._.............._n_________ ______ . Issue One: Equitable access to reasonable, quality heal1h.S,~I~ for aU citizens, Issue Two: Equitabk~ access to reasonable, quality educational opportunites for all citizens, Issue Three: ;Equitable treatment under the law by all public tmtities, to extend public servic{~s fairly and respecHhUy to aU citizens. . . For each of these issues, the common denominator necessary tor success is an appreciation of human rights, reciprocal respect among citizens and their public services, and a willingness and opportunity to know ",,that is happening in the community and how it can be b{~st governed, These are huge issues, but I think they are fundamental to promoting other local issues. The ever-present need to tIght bigotry and hate among us, for instance, is a subset of each of the three issues, and must be addressed in each of the areas,