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Rules Committee grants residency waiver, appoints two to Workforce Investment advisory panel after heated debate
Summary
After extended questioning about experience, attendance and the policy of residency waivers, the Rules Committee appointed Douglas Parrish and granted a residency waiver to appoint Deon J. ("DJ") Brookter to the Workforce Investment Community Advisory Committee; Lily Wong was not appointed but was encouraged to reapply.
The Rules Committee on Dec. 5, 2013 debated whether to grant a residency waiver and appoint two candidates to the Workforce Investment Community Advisory Committee, ultimately appointing Douglas Parrish to one seat and granting a residency waiver to appoint Deon J. ("DJ") Brookter to the second seat.
The committee heard three applicants. Douglas Parrish described his work leading a solar company and his role with youth-community partnerships; he is the incumbent co-chair of a related advisory body. Tim Waters read a prepared statement from Deon J. Brookter, noting Brookter's district-level organizing and youth-employment work. Laiyu "Lily" Wong described her career coordinating workforce services and policy work on First Source and vocational ESL pilot efforts for limited-English populations.
Supervisors pressed applicants on measurable goals, attendance history and specific accomplishments. Supervisor Cohen said he maintains "a personal policy where I don't like to support residency waivers," but acknowledged circumstances could justify exceptions. Several supervisors—most notably Supervisor Breed—argued Brookter's direct, day-to-day work with hard-to-place jobseekers merited a waiver. After a sequence of motions and roll-call votes, the committee moved to appoint Douglas Parrish and to grant a residency waiver so that Dion (DJ) Brookter could fill the second seat.
The transcript records roll-call responses during the waiver vote with Supervisors Brie (aye), Bridal (aye), Cohen (aye) and Yee (no). The committee chair announced the motion passed and the nominees were appointed or forwarded as appropriate. Supervisors emphasized they expect commissioners to attend regularly and for staff to monitor attendance records.
The appointments were advanced to the full Board for confirmation per committee practice. The committee also encouraged Ms. Wong to stay engaged and reapply when seats become available.
