In the Sunday edition of the Greensboro News & Record there was a story titled “City boards lack diversity.” This story only reemphasizes my desire to revamp the process for which citizens are appointed to Boards & Commissions. Here are some highlights from the analysis done by the N&R and the Greensboro Neighborhood Congress:
- Seventy-six percent of the members are men.
- Sixty-seven percent are Caucasian and the rest are African American. There are no members of any other race.
- The city’s five council districts are not equally represented. Council Districts 1 and 5 are underrepresented, while District 4 is overrepresented.
- Forty-five percent of the members are real estate professionals or lawyers.
The article also sites that, “City Council members said they try to recruit a diverse group of committee members. But they add it is difficult to get volunteers to serve.” I actually find that hard to believe because I’ve met countless numbers of qualified people that would like to volunteer their time, but can’t seem to get appointed.
There is a lot of info in the article and it outlines the importance of having certain groups (real estate professionals and lawyers) present on the various Boards & Commissions. I do agree that their expertise can be valuable, but we need to make a conscious effort to keep a good balance. If you have a moment I’d urge you to give the article a quick read.
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I too, read that article. I know that Ms. Lehmert and you, were recent graduates of the 2008 Greensboro City Academy. That, too, is appointed by the City Council. So, can it be written by Ms. Lehmert, that there wasn’t much of a diversity.
I was the first citizen appointed to the Bicentennial Commission, back in June, 2005. I was honored to have been appointed. My, being of Native Hawaiian descent, and also being very active in the community. I, too, am a graduate of the Greensboro City Academy (2004, first class), and represented District 5 (at that time, Sandy Carmany’s, city council district). But, getting back to the Bicentennial Commission. When the commission held it’s first initial meeting, held by Keith Holliday, (former mayor), to address the newly appointed commission, and to focus on our mission statement. An
article was written by Ed Cone, and he questioned the diversity of the commission. As far, as the racial diversity. Therefor, the co-chairs, the mayor and other persons, decided to add two new members. One, was from the Native American sector, Jennifer Revels-Baxter, and the other was Linda Hinshaw, of the Hispanic sector.
After reading Ms. Lehmert’s article. I came away with the question, of …”and?” Meaning, what do you want us (the citizens) to do?
If you have any inclination of what the “attempt” the article was pursuing, please let me know.
Thanks,
Ed
…awaiting moderation? Forgive me, for sharing my views.
Ed,
Maybe it is a fault – but ever since my first blog I have moderated comments. And btwn this site and GreensboroPolitics.com I’ve pushed through a ton of comments. Only a few have not been approved (on gsopolitics) and that was simply because they were very disrespectful to a council member.
Looks like your comment sat in moderation for three minutes – I’d say that is acceptable.
Ryan
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