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DRAFT MINUTES COMMITTEE ON MINORITY AFFAIRS MAY 14, 1996 12 NOON
PRESENT: Chairman: Clinton I. Young, Jr. Members: Lois Bronz, Bob Darcy Legislators George Latimer, Andrea Steart-Cousins Secretary: Lynne Creighton Ed Dowdy, Affirmative Action, Bill Straubinger, Volunteer Center
The meeting was called to order at 12:05 PM by Mr. Young.
The minutes of April 30 were approved on motion of Mrs. Bronz. seconded by Mr. Darcy, by a vote of 3-0.
Mr. Latimer introduced Bill Straubinger from the Volunteer Center. Legislator Latimer is also a member of the board of the Volunteer Center and said that one of the topics discussed was outreach into minority communities, and that because there are legislators that represent the largest pocket of African American and Latino populations in the County, this was an excellent way to identify prospective candidates for Leadership Westchester.
Mr. Straubinger distributed a news release to the committee which talked about the first graduating class of Leadership Westchester.
The Westchester County association, the County Chamber of Commerce and United Way are also co-sponsoring this program, which is the first of its kind in Westchester County.
The purpose of the Leadership Westchester (LW) program is to help shape and determine the future of our region by training the leaders of tomorrow and bringing them together with the leaders of today in a learning environment designed to enhance both personal and professional growth, as well as the growth of the community.
Leadership Westchester teachers are people who hold key positions in area corporations, non-profit organizations and government agencies.
This is a two-year program. The first year is made up of long half days dealing with different issues and another year as a volunteer. Graduates go on to serve on boards, committees and governmental bodies, as well as group projects
DRAFT MINUTES COMMITTEE ON MINORITY AFFAIRS PAGE TWO
After further discussion on on this subject(tuition, commitment and the process of selection,) Mr. Straubinger said that the legislators should inform other people of the program and help recruit people.
Mrs. Bronz said she would talk to the Breakfast Club and the Kiwanis Club, who might want to sponsor a student.
Mr. Young thanked Mr. Straubinger for his presentation and said that the committee would do whatever it could to promote support forLeadership Westchester.
Mr. Young spoke about the proposed resolution from Legislator Donovan, condemning acts of bigotry and hatred toward Irish-Americans and urging the Justice Department to conduct a complete investigation of the civil rights violations against supporters of Tara Circle (Agenda Item 1G, referred on 2.26.92). Mr. Young asked the committee to continue to focus on the matter and be prepared to submit suggestions at the next meeting.
Mr. Young mentioned that the committee had also received a letter from Legislator Abinanti, Chairman of the Legislation Committee, addressing the same issue.
Mrs. Bronz suggested speaking to Mr. Abinanti about the status of the case to see if any legal action has been taken, and said that she had also discussed it with Legislator Wishinie, since Tara Circle was in his district.
Mr. Darcy agreed that the committee should say something to condemn bigotry but should be on target with the statement.
Mr. Young said that after dialogue with Legislator Wishnie the committee would have to act on the issue next week.
Mr. Young said he had received a preliminary copy of Executive Order Number One, which is moving towards the elimination of the Office of Affirmative Action, whose duties would be taken over by the Personnel Office. Mr. Young further stated that the committee would follow the situation more closely.
DRAFT MINUTES COMMITTEE ON MINORITY AFFAIRS PAGE THREE
Mr. Young said he had not heard from Commissioner Landi regarding a meeting to discuss minority opportunities within the construction industry and asked Lynne to draft a letter to Jamie Hastings to set up a firm date.
Mr. Young spoke to Mr. Delfino about meeting with COD re Prequalification. He is also waiting to hear from Mrs. Stewart-Cousins about a joint meeting with Health and the Medical Center and Dr. Rapoport, which should take place within the next two weeks.
Mrs. Bronz suggested a meeting of the Committee of the Whole to discuss a letter from District Attorney Jeanine Pirro regarding a proposal for an anti-bias crime unit within the District Attorney’s office to investigate and prosecute bias crime.
Mrs. Bronz wanted to know why there is no representative from Administration present at the Minority Affairs meetings and Mr. Young asked Lynne to draft a letter to Jamie Hasting, asking for an explanation.
On motion of Mr. Young and seconded by Mrs Bronz, the meeting was adjourned at 12:50 pm by a vote of 3-0. |