Addressing Diversity in City Government

KIMT News 3's Isabella Basco is speaking with some people who hope to see more diversity among local leadership

Mph the reflective democracy campaign reports 62 percent of u?

"*s elected officials are white men despite the fact that white men make up just 30 percent of the population.

In contrast ?

"* women and men of color comprise 11 percent of elected officials ?

"* but they make up 39 percent of the population.

Tonight kimt news 3's isabella basco is looking at the diversity of local leadership.

She joins us now live ?

"* isabella?

Xxx well ?

"* annalissa johnson is the only woman serving city council.

On the olmsted county board of commissioners ?

"* thee are only two women.

Historically ?

"* only one persn of color has served on city council.

I talked to people who are hoping to turn the tide.

Xxx "historically we haven't seen diversity in our leadership whether that's elected or appointed or hired leadership in administration ?

"* it's just been lacking."

When you look at the preliminary results of the city council primary races ?

"* it looks like no people of color will make it on the ballot for november.

Dee sabol with the diversity council gives some reasoning.

"part of it is access ?

"* access to process ?

"* access to even understanding what it means to run for public office ?

"* how that affects the rest of your life ?

"* how you make space for that."

Vangie castro was in the running for city council president.

Castro conceded the race.

Castro came in third ?

"* but says the loss isn't surprising.

"i think it is really hard for people to imagine being represented by someone who doesn't look like them."

Castro is frustrated the decision makers aren't comprised of more people of color.

"people of color ?

"* we have to constantly accept the fact that a white straight male will make decisions for someone who is an immigrant, a person of color, lgbtq plus."

Wale elegbede is running for olmsted county commissioner district 7.

Elegbede believes more representation is long overdue.

"i don't think anybody has run for county commissioner that's been black.

That's kind of crazy ?

*- this is 2020 ?

"* let's get on with that."

Sabol says diversifying leadership will start with a community that wants to see change.

"there needs to be an increased awareness in the general if you'd like to see the preliminary election results for the primary ?

"* we'll havea link posted with this story on kimt dot com.

Live in rochester ib kimt news 3./// thanks isabella.

Vote totals will not be finalized until the olmsted county canvassing board meets to certify