Dear Editor:
Tuesday's Daily Egyptian editorial stated that fear was the "real reason" the city does not want a Human Relations Commission with authority to subpoena witnesses and to levy sanctions. This statement, which was the basis on which the opinion was written, is incorrect. This statement is a leap over the principles of fairness, accuracy and objectivity.
I had a lengthy conversation with the Voices editor Monday. I explained that it was apparent from the City Council's discussions on this issue at six different meetings that a majority of the council would not support a Human Relations Commission with subpoena and sanctioning powers. Further, SIUC, which the Task Force on Race and Community Relations recommended being subject to the commission, notified the council that it would not subject itself to the authority of a municipal commission.
As city manager, I recommended the establishment of the Task Force on Race and Community Relations. I have supported for more than a year the creation of a Human Relations Commission that would build trust and mutual understanding throughout the community. Accordingly, an alternative approach to the Task Force's proposed Human Relations Commission was presented to the council at its June 18 meeting.
A Human Relations Commission without subpoena and sanctioning powers can be a proactive group that would bring members of the community together in a positive fashion to build trust and mutual understanding through mediation, conciliation and programs. Fear of a Human Relations Commission is not the "real reason" for this concept. The philosophy of approaching important community issues in a pro-active and positive fashion is the real reason.
Jeff Doherty
City Manager
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
