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Council apologizes and moves to change appointment interviews after volunteer cites racial slur
Summary
After a multicultural committee volunteer said a councilor used a racially offensive term during a reappointment interview, the council apologized, called for procedural reform (no solo interviews), and agreed to pursue training and possible formal admonishment for involved members.
A volunteer for Wesley's multicultural committee told the council on July 21 that an appointments-subcommittee interview used a racially offensive term and raised concerns about improvised, one-on-one interviews.
"It had no place in the interview for public service," said April Denwitty, who described being asked about racial identity and said the tone and content of the interview were inappropriate. She urged the council to adopt a consistent, legally sound interview protocol and training for council members.
Council members apologized on the record and proposed immediate procedural changes. "No more solo interviews," Council Neim said, and he said he would ask the solicitor to prepare suggested rules to require panel interviews, pre-approved questions, and mandatory training for council members who interview volunteers. The council also said it would pursue formal admonishment for two councilors related to the incident and expected a solicitor memo to recommend next steps.
Public reaction was robust: several speakers called for censure, removal of appointments roles, mandatory cultural-competency training and an apology that includes accountability. Members of the multicultural committee said they unanimously condemned asking about racial identity in committee interviews and requested consistent interview processes and legal review of procedures.
Why it matters: Councils appoint citizens to boards and commissions; fair, transparent appointment processes affect trust and volunteer participation. Several speakers warned that hasty or inconsistent interview practices can deter volunteers and invite litigation.
What the council will do: The solicitor was asked to prepare concrete recommendations to tighten interview procedures, require panel interviews for appointments, and propose training options; the council also said it would consider revisions to bylaws and potential admonishment for involved counselors.
Sources: Public comments and council debate at Wesley Town Council meeting, July 21, 2025.
