Council approves reappointment of Jason Querrey to Human Relations Commission after contested public comments
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Summary
The York City Council voted to reappoint Jason Querrey to the Human Relations Commission after public testimony both opposing and supporting him, a solicitor’s clarification of commission qualifications, and a procedural motion to consider his reappointment separately. The separated vote carried on a 4–1 roll call.
The York City Council voted to reappoint Jason Querrey to the York City Human Relations Commission, despite public allegations raised during the meeting and a motion to separate his reappointment from other mayoral appointments.
Carmen Bonzaca, a York County resident, urged the council not to reappoint Querrey, alleging misconduct during her time as his supervisor and saying he had "a tendency to prey on vulnerable populations," including senior citizens. "I feel using my personal signature on documents that were used to defraud the Commonwealth in the past," she said, describing reports to the inspector general's office.
Chair of the Human Relations Commission Rina Edembitson and another city resident, Myna Edmonson, spoke in support of Querrey. Edembitson told the council the commission is actively improving record-keeping, organization and budget understanding to remain "strong and viable." Edmonson said Querrey "has served well over the last three years," does not handle commission funds and has been engaged with commission work.
Council members debated procedure after members raised concerns about whether queries about background checks or access to funds applied. Solicitor Flower clarified that the qualifications for HRC commissioners are set by ordinance and are limited to "sympathy with the role as an HRC commissioner," that commissioners do not themselves handle money, and that criminal-record restrictions apply to elected officials, not appointed positions.
Councilmember Super moved to divide the resolution so that Querrey's reappointment would be considered separately from the other reappointments. After the separation, the clerk conducted a roll call on the Querrey appointment. The recorded votes were: Super — No; Bub — Yes; John Askew — Yes; Buckingham — Yes; Washington — Yes. The motion carried and Querrey was reappointed through 07/16/2028.
The council then approved the remaining reappointments to the consolidated board of appeals on a subsequent roll call.
No formal disciplinary findings or legal determinations were announced at the meeting; the council's action was limited to the reappointment vote and the record reflects both the public allegation and public support. The council did not receive a formal written report or hearing outcome concerning the inspector general matter during this session.
