Commission fills Access Appeals Commission disability seat after contested nominations and public testimony

The Building Inspection Commission appointed August Longo to the Access Appeals Commission isability seat (term to Nov. 1, 2013) on Feb. 2, 2010, following a contested set of nominations and substantial public testimony.

The commission had four nominees listed: Denise D'Ann (not present), August Longo, Walter Park and Susan Suvall (not present). August Longo spoke about more than 20 years of disability-rights advocacy, prior service on the mayor's disability council and experience working on accessibility in Chinatown. Walter Park also spoke about his long involvement in affordable housing and accessibility work and supporters from advocacy groups and industry spoke on his behalf, citing his work on destination-dispatch elevator guidance and collaborative leadership.

Commissioners debated process fairness. Several commissioners raised concerns that some applicants had not been re-interviewed or had not attended prior nominating-committee meetings; others emphasized continuity and technical expertise. City attorney John Maleman explained that because the nominations committee's pick was agendized at the prior meeting, the commission could not affirmatively approve or deny that single agendized pick at that meeting, which left the disability seat vacant and all nominated candidates to be considered that day.

After discussion, Commissioner Lee moved to nominate August Longo; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote of 5 to 2. Because the first nomination carried, the commission did not proceed to a vote on the subsequent nomination for Walter Park. The commission administered the oath of office to Longo at the meeting.

Public commenters who spoke in favor of Walter Park included leaders and representatives from disability advocacy organizations, architects and elevator-industry representatives who credited Park with work on an administrative bulletin addressing destination-dispatch elevator systems. Commissioners asked staff to ensure fair process for future appointments and discussed whether to allow alternates for subcommittees to avoid scheduling gaps.