MASON CITY – The Mason City Human Rights Commission met Thursday and approved three applicants for the three vacancies on the commission. Two approved were brought by Mayor Eric Bookmeyer; a third applicant was selected by the commission.
The three applicants the commission approved are Jacqueline Huesman, Dean Genth and Sandra Servantez. A third person who applied, Brian McNamara, has “graciously volunteered to become an active friend of the Commission.”
Mayor Bookmeyer had chosen three applicants and brought them to the commission for approval. His three selections were Huesman, Genth and McNamara.
According to an email that is circulating among the main players in this situation, Mayor Bookmeyer says he is already working on the next Council agenda and asked Loeckle for an update on the commission’s vote Thursday. Bookmeyer asked Loeckle “Can you apprise me of the results on the vote from the commission to “consent” to the mayoral appointments of Jacqueline Huesman, Dean Genth and Brian McNamara?”
The commission explained its choice of Servantez over McNamara. According to commission Chairwoman Kathy Loeckle, “Mrs. Servantez has been an active friend to the Commission for the past two years. It has been the precedence of the Commission to recognize the talents of friend volunteers who actively participate in training, hearings and attend meetings with regularity to fill future vacancies on the Commission. This has worked well to maintain a consistent balance of commissioners who have been in a developmental role, for a great number of years.”
Loeckle also said “In the event that Mr. McNamara continues to be an active working friend to the board, we are prepared to submit his name to the mayor for the next available vacancy.”
Loeckle asked the Mayor for his support of the commission’s recommendations.
NorthIowaToday.com asked for comment from the Mayor late this afternoon and no response was received at the time of writing this story.
Max Weaver told NorthIowaToday.com “I read the Mayor’s email about getting the agenda ready for the next meeting March 15th. Talk about mix messages “let’s hurry up and wait” the Mayor is a funny kinda guy I can’t figure him out. I really like the appointments, don’t see a problem.”
Jeff Marsters told NorthIowaToday.com “It’s my hope that the mayor will be willing to compromise in good faith with one appointment as was done by the HR’s commission with accepting some of the mayor’s recommendations. It’s time to move this forward for the citizens!”
