Jamestown Human Rights Commission meeting (May 10, 2023)

The Jamestown Human Rights Commission will begin work on creating policies and procedures for handling complaints.

Commission Member Isaiah Rashad said his understanding is that complaints would first go to HRC Chair Uvie Stewart and then to the City’s Liaison Police Captain Scott Forester, “What I’m proposing is to create from scratch a Policy and Procedures form of how we are to conduct our investigation, and where that information goes step-by-step, so that we are uniform, and that we look professional in everything that we’re doing to the public.”

Rashad also recommended that members of the HRC begin attending various public meetings again, “There’s a lot that we don’t know, especially as a small group. There’s a lot that we do not know. We only hear things as people bring it to us. But, if we’re out there, if we’re putting ourselves out there and we’re going to these meetings, we’ll understand a lot more about what’s ebbing and flowing throughout the city. And it’s important for us because when there’s chaos, that’s when people need us. And we need to make sure we’re prepared.”

Rashad was given the approval to move ahead with developing the polices and procedures form for complaints. The group also agreed they need to assign members to attend various public meetings including City Council, Jamestown School Board, the IDEA Coalition, and more.

The group also discussed holding fundraisers to raise money for the commission to supplement what is received in the City Budget. However, according to the State Office of the Comptroller, municipalities may not solicit monetary or material gifts nor conduct fundraising activities. The commission was allocated $6,000 in the 2023 city budget.

Democrat and current Mayor Eddie Sundquist previously announced he is seeking re-election for a second term with Republican Council Member at Large Kim Ecklund recently announcing she will be running against him for the seat.

The City Democratic Committee has endorsed local attorney John I. LaMancuso to run for City Court Judge. His father, John L. LaMancuso, has held that position for 29 years. Republicans have not endorsed a candidate for that race.

Democratic endorsements for City Council At Large include Isaiah Rashad II and returning candidate Alyssa Porter. Republicans have endorsed incumbents Jeff Russell and Randy Daversa; as well as Russ Bonfiglio.

Republican Ward 1 Council member Brent Sheldon and Ward 2 Council member and Council President Tony Dolce are running unopposed.

Ward 3 Democratic Incumbent Regina Brackman will again face Republican Robert Reedy. That race in 2021 was determined by three absentee ballots.

Democratic incumbent Marie Carrubba has been endorsed again to represents Ward 4 and will face Republican Joe Paterniti.

Republican Incumbent Bill Reynolds will face Democrat Kaycee Colburn for Ward 5 and Republican Incumbent Andrew Faulkner will be running against former Council Member at Large Vanessa Weinert in Ward 6.

For the County Legislature endorsements, Democratic incumbent Billy Torres and Republican Phillip Landy have been endorsed for District 9.

Republican incumbent Jamie Gustafson will face newcomer Democrat Julie Jackson-Forsberg for District 10.

Republican incumbent Dave Wilfong is unopposed for District 11.

District 12 endorsements include Republican Elisabeth Rankin against former Democratic County Legislator and former County Attorney Fred Larson.

Democratic Incumbent Tom Nelson will face Republican Joseph Tickle for District 13.

Candidate petitioning to get on the election ballot begins tomorrow, February 28 and ends April 6. Any primaries necessary will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2023.