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Council moves to reconstitute Human Relations Commission; public accuses delay in appointments
Summary
Council advanced Bill 74 to amend the Human Relations Code so the mayor must nominate initial commission members within 30 days for council confirmation; public commenter Jennifer Swan said seven applications already await approval and called any extension a stalling tactic.
Councilors introduced and approved Bill 74, an ordinance amending the Human Relations Code to require the mayor to present members of an initial commission for council approval within 30 days of the ordinance’s effective date, with staggered terms for the first appointees. The measure passed with the support of council members and the required vote to move the ordinance forward.
Jennifer Swan, who identified herself as a resident of Allentown, said the commission had been disbanded by the solicitor on June 4 and said there are currently seven applications on the mayor’s desk, including one from Jean Hoffman. Swan asked why council would approve another 30‑day extension instead of confirming existing applicants and characterized the extension as a “stalling tactic.”
Councilmembers noted the ordinance would move the appointment process forward and that staggered terms are intended to provide continuity. The council approved the ordinance language as introduced; the mayor’s office and solicitor retain the authority to present the appointments for council confirmation under the new timetable.
