By Lisa Lucas Gardner, J.D. On June 16 at 8:34 PM
Yep, I said it. The "AA" word. That dirty policy that so many people wanted to die and bury in history because it wasnt needed anymore. I would like to say that this town needs a refresher course, just like the open meeting law refresher course, to remind those in positions of hiring that we should diversify a bit more.
Now I realize that we are a predominately white community but I also know that there are lots of minorities in our town who could use good jobs working for our local government. Have you ever noticed how many people of color, or ethnic, or religious diversity work for the town? I think Ive seen about five total. I'd like to know what percentage we really have.
Our town manager & employers shouldnt be looking for out of towners to employ when we have a strong available workforce living right here in our town. In fact, I'm of the attitude that town employees, such as police officers, should be required to be town residents to work here. By the way, has anyone ever received a good answer of why so many police officers can drive the town police cruisers home (as far away as Floyd) instead of requiring them to live in town to take one home?
Affirmative Action was a program that was intiated out of neccesity by our government. The government agencies really didnt want to do it, but because it was proven that the program was needed to help erase all the years of the blatant disrimination, that was in fact, committed by our government.
When I step back and look at our town employee workforce I can see that we severly lack the diversity that our progressive small town should have to show that we have overcome the need for Affirmative Action in our community. However, I seem to think we should really work hard to recruit minorities and shake up the snow white, male dominated, image that we still portray. The only sign of diversity and tolerance that I see is Sir Lance's ponytail.