Supporters of the Crow Wing County Human Rights Commission might easily have been alarmed at Wednesday’s headline that spoke to the panel’s possible demise. Yet the dissatisfaction with the board’s status quo might actually lead to a rejuvenated and improved panel.
It’s become clear, particularly since June when commission member Carol Rose resigned citing a lack of support from commissioners, that the panel was not functioning very well. At that meeting County Administrator Tim Houle told members they had to follow their bylaws and a member, the Rev. Deb Celley acknowledged there had been leadership problems on the 13-member panel.
The Crow Wing County Board set a date (Oct. 11) when it would consider abolishing the Human Rights Commission. The commission has had difficulty sustaining a quorum of six members for its meetings.
It’s clear changes have to be made.
For starters, members have to show up. The county board, for its part, should make sure vacancies (there are currently two open spots) are filled promptly. New members should come to the board with passion and with a vision as to what they would like to see done.
Maybe 13 members is an unwieldy number. Would it be more effective if it there were fewer members?
We would also like to see the group initiate programs bringing about an awareness of the area’s increasing diversity and teaching that diversity is a quality that should be welcomed and not feared. The commission could work with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and businesses on how individuals and businesses could welcome a more diverse customer base.
The commission has no authority to punish those who violate human rights but it can provide a forum for those who feel they have been wronged and direct those individuals to government agencies that can address the problems. It also can continue to reward individuals who work on behalf of human rights, as it does each year with its presentation of the Crow Wing County Human Rights Award.
The Brainerd lakes area has become more diverse and that trend is likely to continue. There’s a role for a group of dedicated volunteers who want to make that transition a successful one.
Comments (18)
Add commentthe only thing sustainable in
the only thing sustainable in our government now is the entitlement addicted class who will be forever sucking the thumbs of the hard working folk that survived the great Depression... I believe in helping individuals who cannot provide for themselves anyone that can has their own responsibility
Just one look
at the "In Custody"list at Crow Wing County Jail will give a sample of diversity in our community and how well it compliments our community.
ecocafemx
Are you referring to the billionaires who expect us to build stadiums for their sports team businesses so they can be sold at a profit?
The on line (non scientific) poll
reflects the Dispatch's on line readership pretty well, when you go and talk to people in the community or people who subscribe to the paper, you hear different view points.
So I can see the headlines state-wide: Crow Wing County abandons human rights. Is this who we are?
{I can see the headlines
{I can see the headlines state-wide: Crow Wing County abandons human rights.}
Nonpartisan editors, (are there any?) perhaps would print a headline such as:
Human Rights Commission fails - County abolishes
No emotion. No spin.
JVCzeczok
Area diversity
I am sure we are all aware of the diversity in this area. We see it every year with a new "crop" from Chicago. Fish, your posting has nothing to do with this article. Save your hatred for those that have more than you in the appropriate place. If I am correct, this is a volunteer group. What have they really done? Anything but give out an award once a year? And how diverse is this group? How diverse are the award receipients? "Diversity is a quality that should be welcomed and not feared." Really, why? The more diverse a group is, the less that gets accomplished. And, I for one, cannot tolerate a government that tells me how I should feel.
pdnet
Funny how cultural diversity is only a one way street for communities of a certain ethnic majority. Wouldn't a cultural exchange program benefit all communities?
another "feel good" committee
this group seemed to promote fighting among themselves. we have plenty of detroit & chicago "diversity" sucking welfare and crime. look at the "in custody" in the jail! it is another government "feel good" look at what we are doing "group!
diversity
Am I the only one here feeling strange that the posters assume our diversity is imported from another area, or they are in jail? Those posts make me cringe.
I'm sure the Native Americans saw the British and French settlers as diversity in their homeland. Slaves brought to this country from Africa were diversity. Human rights is more than skin color, it could be for people with disabilities. And of course this area does not discriminate against gay people.
Finally, what have they done? Do you think the referrals they work with make the front page of the paper? Once in awhile they do something public, but I am guessing they do a lot behind the scenes of the media and community. Just a guess.
Just a guess?
Pathetic!
JVC
Just a guess?
Pathetic!
JVC
no, common sense
not pathetic.
Minnesnowda had some real common sense comments.
Everyone should realize committees like this must handle
confidential information. Duh.
Yes pathetic, not no.
Snowda posts "just a guess" as if she isn't completely aware of what they do or don't do.
Sorry marsbar, but it is identicle to lying…no difference, so therefore pathetic.
Continue defending her though, you’ll lose even more credibility in the process.
Jeff Czeczok
credibility
I do not always post, I read on-line when I'm not at work and where there is a newspaper. I'm not stupid. I have already decided who is 'credible' and who is not. From what I see the bullys on here keep whacking away at Minnesnodwa -- hoping she will go away. Thanksfully, she has not.
marsbar...
I've no desire for Snowda to go away...just to be honest.
The constant game playing is quite sickening which corelates to pathetic.
And mars, you avoided my explanation of "just guessing"...by choice obviously.
Jeff
just a guess
"Finally, what have they done? Do you think the referrals they work with make the front page of the paper? Once in awhile they do something public, but I am guessing they do a lot behind the scenes of the media and community. Just a guess."
I see this comment as being a bit flip/sarcastic, but I'm not gunning for this poster like some of the people here .......what I have observed is some of the posters are a bit obsessed with this one particular poster, which is a little frightening.
Most posters want to remain anonymous. That you reveal yourself is fine, but don't make it the standard, when it is not.