MAYOR MASIELLO SUBMITS NOMINEES FOR NEW COMMISSION ON CITIZENS RIGHTS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
June 27, 2000
Contact: Peter K. Cutler (716) 851-4841

BUFFALO (6/27/00) - Mayor Anthony M. Masiello today submitted to the Common Council his nominees for the new Commission on Citizens Rights and Community Relations. As prescribed by the new City Charter, the Mayor is empowered to appoint the Commission members, who, in turn, are to be confirmed by the Council. The Commission will be comprised of eleven members, appointed to staggered terms.

"I am pleased to nominate individuals who reflect the diversity of our city and who possess experience in a variety of disciplines that will make the Commission on Citizens Rights and Community Relations the strong voice for tolerance and equitable treatment as envisioned by the new City Charter," stated Mayor Masiello.

As stated in the Charter, the Commission is designed "to encourage equality of treatment and prevent discrimination against persons based on race, ethnic background, religion, sex, sexual preferences, disability, nationality and age; and to assure respect for the civil liberties of all citizens."

The Commission's Duties and Powers include: develop citywide programs to improve relations among the city's diverse ethnic, religious and racial communities; investigate and recommend action in response to incidents of any type of bias; examine, assess and recommend action on issues of equal opportunity; assist citizens with filing and pursuing complaints of police misconduct; review, monitor, report on and recommend action concerning the police department's community relations training procedures and its standards and procedures for investigating, acting upon and resolving complaints of police misconduct; produce an annual report of its activities to the Mayor and the Common Council; conduct public and private hearings, with subpoena power, to take testimony under oath.

The eleven Commission nominees are listed on the attached letter from the Mayor to the Common Council.