Maybe I'm missing something.

How can city management make the claim that the proposed Human Resources person will take over the duties of the existing Human Rights director?

My understanding of a Human Resources position is to manage personnel employed by the city and to screen potential employees. I have never heard of a Human Resources person focusing on community-wide issues such as unfair housing practices, discrimination against persons of color and diversity education. I can only think that Mr. Palesh had no idea of what the Human Rights office does when he made that proposal. Can it be that he still doesn't understand the distinction?

I have lived in Auburn my entire life. I have seen this community struggle with issues of equal opportunity for all persons in all aspects of daily living. The Human Rights Commission, through its very existence, represents a commitment to fairness and equality that is vital to the health of our community. The executive director of the commission is the person responsible for putting those words into action.

We worry about the exodus of our young and our inability to lure living-wage businesses to Auburn. What do we have to offer new residents if we don't even value those who already live here? The small dollar commitment to the Human Rights director position speaks volumes about our willingness to listen and to learn how to make our city a better place for everyone who lives here. To abolish that position also speaks volumes.

Two of the positions proposed for elimination at city hall are positions held by women, one of whom also happens to be one of the few African-Americans in city employment. More than ever, we need the conscience of the Human Rights Commission within the walls of city hall.

Ann E. Bunker

Auburn