4. How will you ensure that marginalized perspectives are considered in decision making?
Elle Susnis:
We have many knowledgable organizations (including BCHRTF) in Sandpoint who are willing to provide information on those perspectives. We as decision makers need to reach out and ask when necessary, and use this input when making important decisions for the community.
Frytz Mor:
Love is the answer. Love is not political. LOVE comes from our creator and I see that creative force in ALL. We have to ask ourselves a very simple question: who is seeking to serve, and who is seeking to profit? Those who hold the vibration of Love in their heart and practices, generally seek to serve. We have seen far too much profiteering in various forms and too little Love coming from our “leaders”. When a person acts from Love they are willing to listen, entertain ideas, and concern themselves with the needs of the many. Those who seek to profit use manipulation, self aggrandizement, and deceitful practice to elevate themselves over the community. We have an opportunity for real change. We can stay with the status quo, comfortable in our discomfort, or we can vote for something new, outside the system, founded in character, dignity, divinity, and grace. The choice is ours. My slogan is Love-Trust-Liberty for all the reasons I have stated in this questionnaire.
Grant Simmons:
Diverse Committees: Create committees that represent a cross-section of our community, ensuring varied perspectives in decision-making. Open Forums: Regularly hold open forums encouraging marginalized groups to voice their concerns. Collaboration with NGOs: Partner with organizations, like BCHRTF, to get insights and recommendations on policies and decisions. Feedback Mechanism: Implement systems where community members can provide feedback on city decisions, ensuring transparency and accountability. By placing emphasis on active listening, engagement, and collaboration, I aim to create a Sandpoint where every voice matters, and every perspective is valued.
Pam Duquette:
This would require identifying and respecting any different beliefs/cultures/ethnicities represented in our community. In order to include their perspectives in decision making one would need to be understanding of backgrounds and be sensitive to their customs and expectations. Active listening and follow up after meetings is key.
Jeremy Grimm:
It is imperative to seek out and engage voices of all City residents not just those with money, time or attend meetings, or influence. This is achieved by supporting robust public notice and through active citizen committees that can both identify and bring to attention voices and concerns of all residents.
Deb Fragoso Ruehle: [no response]
Kate McAlister:
By reaching out to the marginalized groups and asking what they need and encouraging them to be involved. I grew up in a crazy ‘triple A family’ (Alcoholics, Addicts and Abusers) and always felt I didn’t fit in. I never thought anyone would listen to me until I decided to make people listen. I did it by getting involved in local non-profits, encouraging others to tell their story and letting people know they aren’t alone and they are never less than. People need to have hope and be encouraged to move forward.