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Rules committee forwards two nominees for Small Business Commission after lengthy hearing
Summary
After hearing seven applicants and dozens of public supporters, the Rules Committee forwarded Moneta White and William Ortiz Cartagena to the full Board for appointment to the Small Business Commission, citing representation of minority-owned firms, youth hiring programs and neighborhood outreach.
The Rules Committee forwarded two recommended nominees for the Small Business Commission on Feb. 16, advancing Moneta White and William Ortiz Cartagena to the full Board with recommendation after hearing seven applicants and extensive public comment.
Each applicant described business background and priorities. Pete Mulvihill, co-owner of Green Apple Books, highlighted local-retail advocacy and an economic study showing local purchasing’s multiplier effect. Moneta White, co-owner of a Fillmore restaurant, emphasized minority-business outreach and youth-employment programs. William Ortiz Cartagena described growing Gentle Parking into a 50-employee enterprise that partners with schools to raise funds.
Supporters from merchant associations, chambers of commerce and community groups urged appointments for several candidates; testimony emphasized outreach to immigrant, minority and very small businesses, and technical help navigating permits and city processes. Supervisors discussed increasing racial and neighborhood representation on the commission and sought applicants who could improve outreach to non-English-speaking and underserved merchants.
After deliberation, supervisors agreed there was consensus to forward Moneta White and William Ortiz Cartagena with positive recommendations to the full board. Other applicants (including Henry Kornilowicz, Forrest Gray, Mario West and Pete Mulvihill) received public support and may be considered for future openings.
