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Rules Committee reappoints six to Immigrant Rights Commission, grants two residency waivers
Summary
After extensive testimony from staff, incumbents and community members, the committee moved six incumbent commissioners forward for reappointment and approved residency waivers for Mario Paz and Melva Maldonado so they could continue serving; supervisors emphasized attendance records and the commission's advocacy role.
The Rules Committee considered a full slate of candidates and several incumbents for the Immigrant Rights Commission on Dec. 5, 2013 and ultimately moved six commissioners forward for reappointment to the Board. Adrian Pan of the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs urged the committee to reappoint incumbents, citing the commission’s productivity and ongoing policy work on language access, the Affordable Care Act implementation and local protection policies.
The committee heard statements from incumbents and applicants including Kathleen Cole, Phil Escondale, Mario Paz, Celine Kenneli, Felix Fuentes, Melva Maldonado and Timothy Toye Moses. Supervisors questioned applicants about accomplishments, attendance, Form 700 filings and capacity to do outreach and national-level advocacy. Several applicants recounted past hearings and policy work: commissioners cited special hearings on city-college closures, due-process ordinances and other immigrant-rights topics.
Supervisors noted the commission’s high workload and the importance of continuity during a period of national discussion on immigration. Director Adrian Pan said there will be additional vacancies in June 2014 as terms stagger. After public comments in support of several commissioners and staff confirmation of attendance records, the committee voted to reappoint six commissioners and approved residency-waiver requests for Mario Paz and Melva Maldonado so they could remain on the commission despite living outside the city.
Committee members asked staff to ensure any missing Form 700 schedules or paperwork be submitted before Board confirmation. The committee also stressed attendance expectations for commissioners and noted the commission receives no health benefits or stipends for members on this non-chartered body.
The appointments and waivers will be placed on the Board agenda for confirmation. Supervisors said they will monitor attendance and that future openings in June 2014 will offer additional opportunities for community members to serve.
