Not only do I write, I can bake a mean enchilada and fry a sinfully good lumpia on top of that I can do other things like work on Human Rights Issues.
This news article is from the Everett Herald here in Washington state and this story is about an Ordinance that I’m proud to say I’m helping to put together.
The Luis Moscoso quoted here is my husband, Jerry Hebert (also quoted) is the type of person who not only makes the world a better place…but a fun one too- Dave Somers and Roger are truly good guys and I’ve enjoyed working with them.
So I’ll stop babbling now and let you read on…
County needs commission to stand up for citizens, activists say
By Jeff Switzer
Herald Writer
Members of a new group of minority-rights activists say a recent rise in racial bias and discrimination in Snohomish County is pushing them to better protect and explain the importance of civil rights.
The Snohomish County Citizens Committee for Human Rights has gained momentum on its efforts after meetings were held this summer for an anti-gay group and what was billed as an illegal immigration summit.
Members also say the community must rally against racist graffiti and swastikas recently scrawled with spray paint on fences and cars.
To make progress, the Snohomish County Council needs to approve a local human rights commission in county government to hear concerns and stand up for the rights of residents, said Luis Moscoso of Mountlake Terrace, a member of the effort.
“I do believe in the area of human rights; there’s a lot more we could be doing,” he said. “We need to take responsibility for managing the communal climate we live in here.”
Moscoso reported progress on the proposal to the state Human Rights Commission at a meeting in Snohomish on Friday.
The County Council might consider a formal proposal next spring, he said.
“I applaud this effort,” Human Rights Commissioner Shawn Murinko said. The community is the best place to respond to civil rights debates, “and it only makes good sense to form these groups,” he said.
The state panel and its staff are advising the cutting-edge effort in Snohomish County, Commissioner Jerry Hebert said.
“The community is the one driving this,” Hebert said.
Earlier this year, Everett created a 15-member diversity board aimed at ridding city government of discrimination based on race, religion, income, gender, physical ability or sexual orientation.
County Councilman Dave Somers and county finance director Roger Neumaier have attended meetings of the planning group for the countywide effort.
“We support the human rights cause that the group is working on and we are looking forward to receiving the proposal so we can review it,” Neumaier said.
Unlike the state Human Rights Commission, which enforces state anti-discrimination laws, a local commission would be a more accessible venue to discuss race and discrimination issues as they arise in the county.
“We need ongoing community dialogue that is managed in a safe venue, where everyone feels safe to come to talk about what’s going on,” Moscoso said.
It might also be able to address community concerns.
“I would like to reinforce we’re not here to solve all the problems of the world,” Moscoso said. “There already are human rights laws on the books in Washington. This would be another way to enhance understanding and implementation in our community.”
Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com.
Irregular Bones 