Sabha, Tamer
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Monday, September 30, 2024 11:19 AM
Sabha, Tamer
REQUIRE TRAINING FOR ALL ADVISORY BODIES CREATED BY CITY COUNCIL* High
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Dear Members of the Legislative Policy Committee,
I am writing to express my thoughts on the proposal to mandate comprehensive training for all members of advisory City bodies, which is scheduled for discussion at tomorrow's meeting.
While I fully support the intent of this initiative to enhance governance and ensure appointees are well-versed in ethics, transparency, and city protocols, I have concerns about the accessibility of the training for community members who may not have higher education or who are not proficient in English.
As a resident of Pasadena and someone deeply invested in ensuring our city's advisory bodies reflect the diversity of our community, I urge the committee to consider the following:
1. Language Accessibility: Pasadena is a multicultural city, and many community members who wish to serve may not speak English fluently. It is essential that training materials and resources are offered in multiple languages, ensuring that non-English speakers are not excluded from meaningful participation.
2. Educational Accessibility: The proposed training topics, such as the Brown Act and Public Records Act, are complex and may present challenges for individuals without formal education. I recommend that the training materials be tailored to be accessible to appointees from all educational backgrounds, perhaps by simplifying legal concepts and offering additional support to those who might need it.
3. Digital Accessibility: While I appreciate the flexibility of making training available online, it's important to consider that some appointees may have limited digital literacy or access to reliable internet. I encourage the committee to offer in-person or personalized training options to ensure that all appointees can complete the required training.
These steps would ensure that the proposed mandate is truly inclusive and reflects the rich diversity of our city.
By making these adjustments, we can maintain high standards of governance without creating unintended barriers for individuals who want to serve but may lack the resources or skills currently assumed in the proposal.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to seeing how the committee addresses these important concerns.
Sincerely,
Maria G. Castellan
Pasadena Resident
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