In the wake of negative reactions to revelations that Salida’s new city administrator was charged with domestic violence in January, professional facilitators have been engaged to mediate a community forum about Salida City Council’s decision to hire Drew Nelson.
The forum will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Rotary Scout Hut, 210 E. Sackett Ave., and will be mediated by Kim Smoyer of Smoyer and Associates and Carol Guerrero-Murphy of Adams State University. Free onsite childcare will be provided during the forum.
Mayor Pro Tem Cheryl Brown-Kovacic said both of the facilitators have been specially trained in gender workplace issues and facilitation and that the forum will include small-group discussion as well as whole-group interaction.
“As a member of council,” she said, “I’m becoming more and more aware that this issue has split the community. I hope that his will be a first step and model for us in how to discuss difficult issues as a community. …
“People will be able to express goals for the community, and I hope that we will conclude with some direction for the future.”
Megan Lombardo, who started a women’s advocacy center as a college student, has spoken out against the City Council decision at council meetings and in a letter to the editor.
She said a member of the community who works with governmental bodies to overcome differences and resolve difficult issues presented ideas and information to council members. “The city took her advice and hired the mediators.”
Lombardo emphasized, “It’s important that people understand this isn’t a council-driven event. … The mediators will be leading, and council (members) won’t be acting as City Council.”
She described the upcoming forum as “a very proactive, interactive experience where everyone is going to have to work together, including role playing exercises. “People will be encouraged to do some real work at the meeting.”
Lombardo said concerned community members have been meeting with council members one on one ever since Nelson was hired, and they are continuing to do that. “We have been working on concerns and goals and relaying them to the mediators.”
She added that there will be a safe space set aside “for anyone who may feel nervous coming forward if they feel triggered” by the discussion. “Drew Nelson will not be there. He’s not involved at all. … The real issue isn’t what Nelson did or didn’t do but what council did.”
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