2007/10/31 Council Agenda Packet

CITY OF EVERETT BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPLICATION FORM Name: Jackie Minchew Address: 5607 S 2"d Ave,Everett, WA 98203 Phone: 425-238-8657 (cell) 425-339-3622(home) How long have you been an Everett resident? 17 years as of July 5. Board(s)/Commission(s) of interest: My first and greatest interest is in being a member of the Everett Planning Commission. A close second to that is to be a member of the Diversity Advisory Board. Why do you want to serve on this board/commission? Planning Commission—I have twice put myself forward for a seat on the Everett City Council. Both times, I raised a number of issues, among which were concerns about the local impact of global issues of resource depletion and climate change. I have acquired a depth of knowledge and understanding of these issues,as well as their potential impact on future economic conditions and quality of life issues in Everett. It is my opinion that these concerns are not being adequately considered or represented, either at the planning level or at the Council level. Diversity Advisory Board—I am currently serving on a committee that is examining diversity issues at the County level. The committee is chaired by Washington Human Rights Commissioner Jerry Hebert and includes among its members,representatives from local,county, state and federal entities. I am finding the work both meaningful and enjoyable, and challenging as well. Please provide background, experience and qualifications that would assist you in serving on this board/commission: Planning Commission—I have lived a life of service, as evidenced by my 26 year career in public education. Since 2003,my attention has been directed toward the political (as in policy making) sphere. I am an aggressive learner and a patient teacher. During my 4 '/2 year period of political involvement, I have met many fascinating and intelligent people who have opened my eyes to important issues I never would have otherwise encountered, immersed as I was in teaching music to children. Through my study of these issues, I have come to the conclusion that, though they are beyond my ability to impact on the global level, there are things I can advocate for at the local level,with an eye to mitigating expected impacts. This conclusion,as mentioned above,has led me to make two runs at gaining a seat on the Everett City Council. In the process,and I say this advisedly, I have raised awareness among many and possibly even contributed to the education of some,up to and including Mayor Stephanson himself. Diversity Advisory Board—As a teacher in the public schools,one deals with diversity issues on a daily basis. But beyond that, I believe I bring a somewhat unique perspective to the diversity discussion. You see, I was born in Pine Bluff,Arkansas in 1949. Being born and raised white in a culture of whiteness that believed itself superior in every meaningful way to those of other races, and that enforced that belief with a web of discriminatory laws and cultural mores, I essentially grew up racist.