COMMITTEE ON MINORITY AFFAIRS
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 9, 1999
OTHERS: CHANG
There is tape on file for more detailed information.
The meeting was called to order at 1:12 pm.
Minutes were not available for approval.
Chair Young stated that it was a pleasure to have the Mount Vernon High School (MVHS) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at the last meeting. The Committee feels it was a successful meeting and looks forward to helping the MVHS FBLA organize the “Youth Day” they would like to hold at the County Center. Mr. Oney Reynolds, representative from the County Center, and the MVHS FBLA leaders are trying to coordinate their schedules to meet and talk further on this issue.
This agenda item is a letter from the Director of the Westchester Library System (WLS) requesting that the County help support an Outreach Program.
Chairman Latimer stated he had spoke with Maurice Freedman, Director of the WLS, some time ago regarding this matter and asked that he put it in writing. The letter outlines an Outreach Program, which they are looking to obtain funds for the balance of 1999. This Outreach Program reaches the underserved target populations, which include, among others, ethnic minorities, youths and the unemployed. The letter, written in August, seeks funds effective September 1st in the amount of $16,667 to help advance this program. The WLS is also appealing for increased support for the 2000 budget, which will be used to expand cultural programs for diverse populations. Chairman Latimer feels it is crucial to deal with
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this request since discussions on the 2000 County Budget will begin tomorrow.
Legislator Bronz would like to suggest to Mr. Freedman that he speak
with other agencies that are involved in outreach programs, in particular, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Program on Nutrition and Family Education. By working together it would increase visibility to both agencies. Legislator Bronz feels that this request is reasonable and is willing to lobby for it if that is what it takes.
Chair Young stated that he shares the same feelings as Chairman Latimer and Legislator Bronz. He would like to re-emphasize that this is a reasonable request for very little money.
Legislator Bronz made a motion that the Committee on Minority Affairs supports this request and was seconded by Chairman Latimer. The vote was carried by a vote of 3-0.
Chairman Latimer suggested that Chris Chang call Mr. Freedman and find out where this request stands.
Chair Young stated that he will forward a memo from this Committee to the Committee on Budget and Appropriations urging them to support this request.
Chair Young commented on a mailing that was used in a recent Board of Legislators campaign. He found it extremely offensive and unnecessary. He would like to present it to the Committee for review. For the record, he is only speaking of the picture, not the written message associated with it. The picture depicts two kids, one holding a gun to the other’s head. Chair Young is asking that this Committee draft a strong letter to the Gannett newspaper voicing objection and disgust, not to anyone’s campaign but to this type of campaign material.
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There was some discussion on the issue.
Legislator Bronz is in agreement. She suggested that the Committee refer it as material distributed by the Westchester County Republican Committee.
Chairman Latimer recommended forwarding copies of the letter to community leaders.
Legislator Bronz would like to have an opportunity to share what has been going on with the Affordable Housing Sub-Committee before the end of the term.
Chairman Latimer made a motion to adjourn and was seconded by Legislator Bronz. The motion was carried by a vote of 3-0.