Salem Human Rights Commission elects Robert Marshall as chair and limits committee membership to commissioners

The Salem Human Rights Commission voted unanimously at its Feb. 11 meeting to elect Robert Marshall as chair and Christina Ballard as vice chair.

Marshall, previously vice chair, accepted the nomination and told commissioners he plans to focus on homelessness, immigration response and continuing the commission’s work on the community belonging survey and disability-rights recommendations. "We've accomplished a lot of great things for our community," Marshall said in accepting the nomination.

Earlier in the meeting the chair and staff presented a proposal to consolidate committee meetings to immediately precede the general commission meeting to reduce staff workload and encourage greater member participation. The commission was told the city attorney’s office has issued new guidance that will require, going forward, that committee and task-force members be members of the Human Rights Commission (the guidance will not be applied retroactively to past membership).

Commissioners discussed how the rules change and staffing constraints affect committee work and recruitment. Commissioner Toni Maries moved, and Commissioner Jackie Roche seconded, to add a discussion about recruitment policy and procedures to the next meeting agenda; the motion passed on a voice vote.

The commission also received committee updates, including that a Western Oregon University class will partner on a community belonging survey and that the disability-rights task force will transition to a committee with work ahead on implementation and oversight.

The commission adjourned after routine committee updates.