Dr. Shields urges Salem council to enhance voting transparency and immigrant advocacy

The City Council Committee of the Whole meeting held on February 12, 2025, in Salem, Massachusetts, focused on enhancing government transparency and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the city. Dr. Shields, a professor and director of the master's in public policy program at Brandeis University, addressed the council, sharing personal experiences that highlighted issues of racial discrimination in voting and the importance of inclusive governance.

Dr. Shields recounted a troubling incident from a decade ago when he faced discriminatory treatment while voting, which led him to become involved with the Latino Leadership Coalition. He emphasized the need for transparency in local government, noting that access to information is crucial for residents to participate fully in democracy. He commended the progress made by the current city clerk, Eileen, in utilizing technology to improve transparency but urged the council to establish additional milestones to further enhance public access to government functions.

In discussing DEI, Dr. Shields pointed out that the initiative should encompass a broader range of issues beyond race, including the engagement of infrequent voters, low-income individuals, and immigrants. He highlighted the significant contributions of immigrants to the local economy, citing a study that showed they paid substantial taxes and contributed to business income in the region. Dr. Shields expressed support for ongoing collaboration between the city clerk's office and the DEI director, Regina Baragosa Frey, to ensure that all community members are represented and included in the democratic process.

The meeting underscored the council's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and improving transparency in city governance, with a call for continued efforts to engage all residents in the democratic process.