In lieu of recent elections, Equal Opportunities Commission members discussed possible ways to include more diverse candidates for spring elections next year and address disparities in Dane County’s court system for youths.
EOC members discussed the need for more minorities running for office in local elections to reflect the dynamic demographic in Madison. While the members recognized existing groups that encourage female candidates, Lucía Nuñez noticed a lack of encouragement for other demographic groups.
“I don’t know if there’s an equivalent group in terms of African American, or Latino or Asian candidates,” Nuñez said.
Ald. Anita Weier, District 18, agreed to write a news release encouraging minority candidates to file for spring elections before the Jan. 6 deadline.
EOC member Percy Brown also discussed possible ways to “level the playing field” across all races in Dane County’s youth court system. Members addressed the issue of juveniles convicted of similar crimes receiving harsher penalties based on race.
Due to limitations on EOC jurisdiction, members would only be able to influence policy in terms of employment, housing and public accommodations. Brown recommended performing studies to seek connections between crime in youths and neighborhoods they come from that could present opportunities for improvement.
“Maybe we look at this not only from the lens of employment but also housing,” Brown said. “Do we have more coming from certain areas of the city and does that still fall in line with other barriers that people in those communities may be experiencing?”
