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<br />discrimination had occurred. He related the story of the terminated <br />employee who felt sure he had been discriminated against and threatened <br />the life of his ex-employer. A possible tragedy was averted when they <br />warned the employer, alerted the police and recommended counseling for the <br />employee. <br />Nate Davis, current Chair of the Human Relations Commission, spoke in <br />support of the adoption of the Civil Rights Ordinance for Orange County. <br />Discrimination exists in Orange County. He personally has experienced it <br />on numerous occasions as have many, many other residents. It is time to <br />move forward and pass this Ordinance. <br />Ruth Black, an Orange County resident, spoke in favor of the adoption of <br />this Ordinance. A letter of support from Ms. Black is in the permanent <br />agenda file in the Clerk's office. <br />Mark Ginsberg, a resident of Efland, spoke in support of the adoption of <br />this Ordinance. He particularly supports the educational component and <br />the opportunities for equal access. He expressed disappointment regarding <br />the deletion of protection for sexual orientation. <br />Rev. Gary Webb, a pastor in Carrboro, spoke in opposition to the passage <br />of this Ordinance. He felt that this Ordinance would give the commission <br />too much power. This one commission would have judicial and executive <br />powers which would allow them to subpoena and investigate citizens. He <br />feels they would operate as a branch of government without proper controls <br />and that a committee of volunteers would be ill equipped to handle this <br />responsibility. <br />Odessa Cotton, an Orange County resident, spoke in support of the adoption <br />of this Ordinance. This is the time to act. <br />Kathleen Barber spoke against the adoption of this Ordinance. She <br />indicated that it would negatively impact their right to free speech. <br />This is an unconstitutional Ordinance. If this Ordinance is adopted she <br />asked that Article 7 be considered for deletion prior to adoption. <br />Judy Woodall, a business owner and Chapel Hill resident, spoke in support <br />of the Ordinance. She indicated that the employment section would be a <br />benefit to her as a business owner. It will be helpful to businesses to <br />have a commission available to answer questions and educate them about <br />changing employment laws. The federal laws addressing discrimination in <br />employment and housing are often difficult to understand and therefore to <br />properly interpret. Having a local volunteer commission with a level of <br />knowledge such as this one would greatly benefit local employers. <br />George Allison, Chair of the Northern Orange NAACP, spoke in favor of the <br />Ordinance. He stated that this will help ensure that the class of 2006 <br />will have a better opportunity for equal rights. <br />