Ness to Recommend Review Board Members to Council

Posted at: 10/01/2012 2:46 PM | Updated at: 10/01/2012 2:47 PM
By: Alan Hoglund
ahoglund@wdio.com

nullDuluth Mayor Don Ness will present a list of appointees for the city's new Citizen Review Board, to councilors for approval at their meeting on October 8.

Over the summer, the council approved the creation of the board to act as an advisory board to the police department and city council for the purpose of fostering relationships and strengthening trust and communication between the police and citizens of Duluth.

In a news release, Mayor Don Ness said "both the number and the quality of people stepping forward exceeded my expectations. The choice was difficult because we had so many excellent applications. I felt it was important that we found a good balance of perspectives, demographics, and professional backgrounds, and we have done that. More importantly, however, I believe that each and every one of these applicants will bring an even-handed approach to their duties."

The news release lists the individuals nominated by Ness. They are:

  • Blair Powless, the Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Congregational Church in Duluth
  • Renee Kathy Van Nett, the Services Coordinator at the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) Cabinoo'Igan Shelter in Duluth
  • David Baker, a man with over twenty years of experience working with the Federal Bureau of Prisons
  • Katherine Eagle, the Staff Attorney at PAVSA
  • Doug Bowen-Bailey, a sign language interpreter, educator, and resource developer
  • Patricia Oakes, a retiree of the Duluth Police Department after 27 years of experience
  • Gabriel Green, the Lead Pastor at the Church of Restoration in Duluth

According to the release, the Mayor's recommendations include four people of color, three women, and three people with a law enforcement or corrections background.

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