‘It’s a pleasure to serve.’ Arlington council taps more volunteers to study inequality

Arlington City Council leaders appointed more than a dozen volunteers Wednesday in its effort to weed out inequality and disparities in the city.

Council members approved 17 additions to the Unity Council — 15 of whom will serve on the Community Relations Commission, a group tasked with finding opportunities and programs to bolster community. Susan Schrock, spokeswoman for the city, said the commission will stand as its own entity as members also serve on the Unity Council.

Commission members appointed Wednesday are: Arley Cure, Larry Curry, Decima Mullen, John Burgdorf, Esteban Blanco, Jennifer Cathcart, Julie Nicholson, Michael Glaspie, Codi VanDuzee, Cyndi Golden, Scherron Richard, Heidi Hardy, Deborah Spell and Lettie Evans.

The council members also appointed Ronnie Goines, founding pastor of Koinonia Christian Church, and Rebecca Valdez, to the Unity Council.

Nikkie Hunter, who is in the middle of her first term on the commission, was appointed to both the Unity Council and the Term Limits Advisory Committee. She said she’s honored for the opportunity to serve the city.

“I’m just really excited to be a part of both committees,” she said. “It’s just a pleasure to serve the city of Arlington.”

Decima Mullen, vice president of marketing and relations for the Arlington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, is the sole member serving a second term on the commission.

Mayor Jeff Williams applauded the formation of the Unity Council during meeting, as well as the range of interest the proposal generated from residents.

“We’ve gotten great applications in from a great cross-section of citizens across our city, but also citizens who have a lot to bring to the table,” Williams said.

Council members unanimously voted the Unity Council into existence June 23. The group, representing various organizations, businesses and faith groups, is tasked with fielding public input on inequitable policies and procedures across Arlington institutions, starting with policing. The council has been tasked with devising an equity plan to present to the council early next year, as well as possible solutions.

It remains to be seen whether the Unity Council will disband after presenting its recommendations. Council members have previously decided the group’s future should remain up for discussion as the group begins meeting.

Unity Council members appointed July 7 are Akram Abbadi, Murjam Altawil, Ines Roach, Jason Shelton, Charletta Sharp, Grace McDermott, Pamela Roach, Dan Fernandez, Kennedy Jones and Reecia Stoglin. Shelton, director for the Center of African American Studies at UT Arlington, will chair the committee.

This story was originally published July 16, 2020 at 5:57 PM.