Committee recommends three nominees for Somerville Human Rights Commission

The Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters recommended approval of three mayoral nominees to the Somerville Human Rights Commission on April 30, voting to forward the nominees to the full City Council for final confirmation.

The committee voted 4–1 to recommend Su Lin Chen and Paola ("Pa") Mendez for confirmation, and voted unanimously to recommend Primrose Sharika. The committee chair moved to recommend approval of each candidate during the meeting. Councilor Strezo recorded the lone dissent on the two 4–1 votes; Councilors Pena Penida Neufeld, Klingen, McLaughlin and Ewan Kampen voted yes on those items. The unanimous recommendation for Sharika passed with all councilors in favor.

The Human Rights Commission, established by city ordinance to address unlawful discrimination and to improve public discourse in Somerville, has recently regained quorum after three prior appointments in March 2025. Amanda Nadje Williams, Director of the Department of Racial and Social Justice, briefed the committee on the commission’s recruitment. Williams said the most recent call for applicants closed Jan. 31, 2025 and drew 17 letters of interest; staff conducted 30‑minute interviews with each applicant and a panel ranked candidates on application quality, interview, background diversity and neighborhood representation.

In questioning, candidates described their reasons for applying and how they would handle complaints alleging bias within the commission. Su Lin Chen said she would emphasize establishing group norms, nonviolent communication and trust-building to address unconscious bias; she described experiences organizing in her neighborhood and parenting responsibilities that constrain and motivate her civic involvement. Paola Mendez, who identified herself as "Pa," said she organizes with Somerville for Palestine and emphasized critical self‑reflexivity, saying she would listen to complaintants deeply and apply reflective practice to her service. Primrose Sharika described attending prior HRC meetings — including a session with the Somerville Police Department’s family services unit — and said she would first seek private conversations and transparency when community members allege commission bias.

Committee members asked each candidate whether they would be willing to investigate complaints that might involve the city or its employees; all three said they had no problem challenging power when necessary and affirmed a commitment to defend the rights of all residents.

Votes at a glance

- Su Lin Chen (Human Rights Commission, agenda ID 25‑0655): committee recommendation to full council — recommended, committee vote 4 yes, 1 no (Councilor Strezo). - Paola ("Pa") Mendez (Human Rights Commission, agenda ID 20‑5657): committee recommendation to full council — recommended, committee vote 4 yes, 1 no (Councilor Strezo). - Primrose Sharika (Human Rights Commission, agenda ID 25‑0654): committee recommendation to full council — recommended, committee vote 5 yes, 0 no.

The committee chair noted that these recommendations will be considered by the full City Council at its next meeting. The director of RSJ and staff offered to provide additional materials — such as resumes or letters of interest — on request; Kimberly Hutter of Intergovernmental Affairs explained that some boards allow either a resume or a statement of interest, depending on the commission’s application requirements.

Ending

The committee held further items for a later meeting and directed staff to supply any outstanding documentation requested by committee members. The three Human Rights Commission nominees will appear on the full council agenda for final confirmation next Thursday.