Public Pulse: Parks Commission Needs Diversity

[Published version] I attended the monthly meeting of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on July 26 in Lincoln and listened to the discourse on dealing with limitations on public comments. One aspect became obvious: All of the commissioners and the senior administrative staff of the agency at the podium were older white men. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, except that it is not representative of the citizens of Nebraska. There were no women involved, nor people of color. Since the agency and the commissioners make decisions each month regarding resources important to many Nebraskans, there should be a group that reflects the racial diversity of the state’s population. There is an obvious need to broaden the representation associated with the commissioners, as well as decision-makers employed by the agency. Greater diversity could bring a fresh infusion of ideas and alternative decisions. James Ducey. August 4, 2013. Sunday World-Herald 148(45): 6B. A letter in the Public Pulse.

[Version submitted via email on August 1st.] While present at the monthly meeting of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on July 26th at Lincoln, and listening to the discourse or dealing with limitations on public comments, there was one aspect during the morning which became notably obvious. All of the commissioners and the senior administrative staff of the agency who spoke at the podium were all older white men. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, except that it is not representative of the citizenry of Nebraska. There are no women involved, nor people of color. Since the agency and the commissioners make decisions each month regarding resources important to many Nebraskans, there should be a group which reflects the racial diversity of the state's population. There is an obvious need to broaden the representation associated with the commissioners, as well as decision-makers employed by the agency. A greater diversity could bring a fresh infusion of ideas and alternative decisions! James E. Ducey