Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Appointments Transparency topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public raises fairness and accessibility concerns about PPLD trustee deliberation seating and candidate interviews
Summary
A public commenter asked whether Commissioner Geithner will recuse from a Pikes Peak Library District trustee deliberation after only three of seven candidates were interviewed and expressed concern that a small meeting room would exclude members of the public.
A member of the public told the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners on May 13 that recent changes to the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) trustee appointment process should include greater transparency and accessibility and asked whether a commissioner should recuse from the deliberation if they had not interviewed all candidates.
Speaking online during public comment, the commenter thanked the board for scheduling a deliberation meeting but said it appeared Commissioner Geithner had interviewed only three of seven candidates and asked whether Geithner would recuse from voting. The commenter also asked whether notes from other liaisons would be collected and whose notes would be relied on to evaluate candidates who were not interviewed.
“How can this be considered giving all applicants a fair and equal opportunity?” the commenter asked. “We respectfully ask, will you recuse yourself from voting since you haven't spoken with all 7 candidates?”
The commenter also raised a logistics concern: the deliberation meeting was said to be scheduled in a room that seats about 15 people, and the commenter asked how members of the public who plan to attend will be able to watch the discussion. The speaker said past appointment processes had felt secretive and urged commissioners to ensure the public has a meaningful opportunity to observe and participate in the selection process for the library board.
The commenter asked commissioners to lead the appointment process with integrity and to ensure that public engagement is meaningful; the board did not take formal action on the request during the meeting.
The public comment did not include the commenter’s name in the transcript. The speaker repeatedly referenced Commissioner Geithner and the Pikes Peak Library District.
