Minutes 09-02-2021 Virtual Business Meeting

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6 leaders who believe that voting is the most important action that residents in Orange County can take. She said the voters spoke and the Commissioners need to make their decision by listening to the voters of Orange County. Anna Richards greeted the Commissioners. She said since submitting her application, she has heard the perspectives of Orange County residents and has attempted to educate herself further about the challenges facing the community. She said the process solidified her desire to serve as Commissioner. She said she is an advocate, working to advance opportunities and protect the rights of all people. She said in that role it has been clear for some time that community efforts alone only go so far, thus she has sought to build coalitions and collaborations with a broad range of civic and governmental organizations. She said she has come to appreciate more that Commissioners have a stated duty to provide safety and welfare for all County residents. She said the pandemic has laid bare the disparities across systems, affecting people, the challenges are many, and solutions will require a collaborative approach with creativity, perspective, experience, curiosity, passion, and empathy. She said her education, professional experience, and heart for the community prepare her for the opportunity. She said it would be her distinct honor to serve with the BOCC. The Commissioners began the balloting process via Zoom polling. Laura Jensen read the results, which indicated a unanimous vote for Anna Richards to be appointed to the vacant position on the BOCC. Chair Price congratulated Commissioner-appointee Richards, and said that it was a hard decision to make. She said the Commissioners received emails, talked to community members, and all applicants were considered to be the best choice by various people in the community. She said she hopes all applicants will stay active in the community. Commissioner Greene congratulated Commissioner-appointee Richards. She said this is not the ideal process for filling a vacancy on the Board. She said ideally, there would have been a special election, which is expensive and has drawbacks. She said, regardless, this is the process in place and the Commissioners have followed it and worked through it. She said the votes for former Commissioner Rich were not disregarded, and this was a statutory process, as opposed to an election, but she understands any frustration. She said she believes Anna Richards will be a very strong Commissioner. John Roberts said remote meeting laws require Commissioners to be visible any time they are taking action, and unfortunately, the balloting process that had to be conducted due to a technical glitch made Commissioners not visible to everyone else. He asked if the Commissioners would each confirm their votes. All Commissioners held up a sheet of paper with visible votes, indicating a unanimous vote for Anna Richards. Commissioner McKee thanked all applicants, and said he thought any of them would have made a good Commissioner. Chair Price invited Commissioner-appointee Richards to turn on her camera if she wished. She said there is a Work Session on September 9 and Commissioner-appointee Richards can work with Clerk to be sworn in and get her meeting packet for that meeting. Commissioner Fowler said all 4 applicants were strong, smart, and engaged leaders, and this was a difficult decision. She acknowledged and appreciated the public service of Penny Rich and Rani Dasi and the strong leadership of Marilyn Carter in the local Democratic Party. She said she looks forward to working with Commissioner-appointee Richards, who, despite a successful career, remains engaged for the betterment of the community. Commissioner Hamilton echoed Commissioner Fowler's comments, and said Orange County is lucky to have so much talent and people willing to serve. She said she is sure all candidates will continue to be engaged in the community.