Front row: Brittany O’Brien; Pamela Hernandez; Carlye Wannenmacher; Francie Wolff.
The Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations works to promote and foster mutual understanding and respect among all racial, religious and ethnic groups of the City. The commission investigates housing discrimination complaints based on a person’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, or familial status, which is forbidden by law.
The commission also investigates discrimination complaints based on a person’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age (40-69 years) or disability in employment or public accommodation, which is also forbidden by law.
The commission meets at 5:30 p.m. every third Wednesday of each month at the Busch Municipal Building, unless otherwise specified. The public is welcome to attend and may submit public comments or request to have an item on the Commission’s agenda through the City Clerk’s office, if submitted within 24 hours of an upcoming meeting
The commission investigates alleged violations of City ordinances and tries to mediate settlements between affected parties and make referrals to appropriate agencies. The commission acts as a clearinghouse for information regarding human rights and offers its services to help educate interested citizens and community groups.
Members of the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations are appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council and serve without compensation. The commission is currently comprised of eight individuals from the following Springfield zones:
- Heather Hardinger – Vice Chairperson, Zone 2
- Pamela Hernandez, Zone 3
- Steve Largent, Zone 1
- Brittany O’Brien, Zone 1
- Bob Roberts, Zone 4
- Todd Thomas – Chairperson, Zone 1
- Carlye Wannenmacher – Secretary, Zone 4
- Francie Wolff, Zone 2
Members of the commission must have resided within the Springfield city limits for at least two years. Information on how to apply for volunteer positions on the Commission, or for information on how to submit a complaint, can be found at springfieldmo.gov.
In 2018, the Commissioners plan to attend several community events to increase awareness of the Commission and help the public understand what the commission does, how it serves the community, and how individuals can make a complaint or ask questions. Information about upcoming events can be found on its Facebook page at facebook.com/SGFMCHRCR.
Commissioners will host Coffee with the Commissioners event 8-9 a.m. Wednesday, April 11 at Big Momma’s Coffee & Espresso Bar, 217 E. Commercial St. Members of the public are welcome to attend this meet-and-greet event to ask questions, provide feedback and learn more about the commission’s goals and objectives.