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112 <br /> BOCC ELECTIONS ADVISORY GROUP <br /> STATEMENTS OF INTEREST FOR CO-CHAIR POSITIONS <br /> DISTRICT 1 <br /> Jaaz Catterall <br /> I am submitting this statement of interest as a relative newcomer to the area, but also as <br /> someone who hopes to make Orange County my home for years to come. Because I <br /> have moved frequently between small, rural towns and larger cities, I understand the <br /> tensions that can arise between people who feel their interests are not always <br /> adequately represented by those from neighboring communities; because I am new to <br /> the county, I can help conduct our meetings from a neutral perspective rather than as a <br /> district partisan. <br /> I joined this board because I care about democracy and ensuring that people's voices <br /> are heard, and I am applying to be co-chair for the same reason. I care about the <br /> people of this county, and I'm excited to be working alongside others who share my goal <br /> of creating a fair and equitable method of electing our county commissioners. Just as I <br /> care about people having their voices heard in Orange County, I am committed to <br /> ensuring everyone in this group has an opportunity to be heard. Making that <br /> commitment a reality will take effort, as it's easy to settle into allowing the most eager <br /> voices to run the conversation. But making that effort to include everyone is especially <br /> important in a group as personally and geographically diverse as ours, where, if we're <br /> not careful, built-in majorities can take over a meeting. <br /> At the same time, I recognize the short timeframe we've been given to complete our <br /> tasks and will work to keep us moving in the right direction. I have experience <br /> conducting meetings of a dozen or so people, and I'm sure we've all been in groups that <br /> focus on small points in excruciating detail at the expense of making progress toward <br /> larger goals. That's not what I hope to accomplish here, and if selected I would work <br /> with my co-chair to both set the agenda and conduct discussion in a way that promotes <br /> progress. Finally, I am taking the time to learn the rules and procedures applicable to us <br /> as a board and to the work we have before us so that I can make sure my own <br /> contributions are productive rather than gratuitous. <br /> Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to seeing all of you! <br /> -Jaaz Catterall <br />