My public comment to the JC Commission at their Meeting on Thursday, October 2, 2025
Good evening, Vice-Mayor, Commissioners, City Manager.
I want to start by noting that today’s working session was handled in a clear and open way. The discussion about the process to fill the vacancy showed a real effort toward accountability and transparency, along what many of us in the community have called for. I think that sets a good foundation for what comes next.
I believe there is still room to strengthen the process to make sure it includes meaningful community input and engagement. As it stands, the proposed timeline is extremely compressed—less than two weeks. That doesn’t allow flexibility for a wide range of potential candidates, especially working professionals who may have travel or other obligations. It risks narrowing the pool to people who already have flexible schedules or traditional civic profiles. And as Commissioner Wise rightly pointed out today, the last time a vacancy was filled, the open process allowed for more time.
If we truly want this appointment to reflect and engage the community as a whole, I think the process should be slightly adjusted. Virtual participation in interviews should be an option, and the definition of “public service” should be interpreted broadly. Leadership and service don’t just come through typical civic organizations like the Rotary Club or Chamber of Commerce (as mentioned earlier), they also come from teachers, healthcare workers, small business owners, and countless others who may not have been part of the usual civic circles, but are engaged in community work, in neighborhood organizing, or in informal mutual aid or civic education.
With that in mind, I’d like to ask three constructive questions to the Commission:
- Are you open to extending the timeline to give more community members a real chance to participate?
- Will you commit to allowing virtual participation in the application and interview process?
- How will you ensure that the definition of “public service” includes the full range of experiences and contributions from our community, not just the traditional ones?
Thank you again for your time and for including residents in this important moment.
