Rules Committee forwards four community members to Reentry Council after powerful testimony

The Rules Committee on Sept. 19 considered applications for four seats on the city’s Reentry Council and forwarded a slate of nominees to the full Board with positive recommendations.

Applicants described lived experience of incarceration, recovery and reentry work and outlined priorities including housing, workforce development, mental health services, and opposing private, for‑profit reentry contractors. Jose Bernal (reappointment candidate) and Angela Coleman (reappointment) were among those the committee chose to forward; Victoria Westbrook, Norma Ruiz, Theodore (Ted) Tolliver and William DeArmond also presented; the committee ultimately recommended Jose Bernal to seat 1, Angela Coleman to seat 2, Victoria Westbrook to seat 3 and Theodore Tolliver to seat 4.

Speakers recounted personal experiences inside jails and prisons, the difficulty of reentry, and the importance of civic engagement and peer navigation services. Community organizations and advocates — including the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, Hospitality House and the Public Defender’s Office — gave detailed endorsements for several applicants and urged reappointment of strong council leadership.

Chair Safae said the selections were difficult because many qualified applicants had applied but noted that alternate routes to involvement (subcommittees) remain available for other applicants. The committee voted to forward the four nominees to the full Board for confirmation.