Mail Tribune News - Medford set to decide on multicultural commission

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2000-10-30

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Medford set to decide on multicultural commission By CHRIS BRISTOL The Medford City Council will decide today whether it wants to create a Multicultural Commission that would advise the council on diversity and racial harmony. The council meets at noon today to consider the proposal, which Mayor Lindsay Berryman sponsored as an ordinance. As drafted, the ordinance would establish a five-member panel to "represent and reflect issues of economic, social and cultural interest for Medford's growing multicultural community." Commission members would be appointed by the mayor to terms of three years. The terms would be staggered to ensure that appointments do not expire all at the same time. Berryman said city leaders want to improve communications with residents of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. The commission was originally proposed for Medford's growing Hispanic community. "Without communication, we have trouble understanding each other," Berryman said. "This is an effort to communicate so that we can better understand differing perspectives." The mayor also noted that the commission fits with the city's Vision Document, a mission statement of sorts that calls for the promotion and protection of cultural diversity. Under the draft proposal, the commission would: "Identify and voice concerns about issues which affect the multicultural community." "Develop positive forums for multicultural community members." "Encourage a culturally diverse and competent force of elected and appointed city officials and employees." "Support channels of communication between the multicultural community and city officials." "Insure diversity in the visioning process." "Provide the mayor and city council with opportunities to speak with the multicultural community, hear its concerns and participate in cultural events." Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA