Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Dearborn Hts. panel to foster tolerance

City's goal is to halt discrimination and unite residents of different races, sexual orientations.

By Darren A. Nichols / The Detroit News

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DEARBORN HEIGHTS -- The City Council unanimously approved a new commission Tuesday night that includes the protection of minorities and gay and lesbian residents.

The Community and Cultural Relations Commission, introduced last month, is an attempt to foster a better understanding among its diverse population. The group will investigate incidents of discrimination in the area and will seek to promote community harmony.

The group was conceived after a few recent racial incidents, including a cross burning on the front lawn of a home in August.

"The commission is going to put together people who are going to foster better relationships," Mayor Dan Paletko said. "Residents will understand that the leadership in Dearborn Heights does not find acceptable and will take quick action for people who take action in any kind of discriminatory way."

City resident Toni Emerson hopes the new commission will help people put their differences aside. The racial incidents bothered her.

"We look just like you and we pay taxes just like you," said Emerson, an African-American, who has lived in Dearborn Heights about 10 years. "We came here to improve the quality of our lives and possibly yours as well."

The commission will have seven voting members: five mayoral appointees and two from the council.

At Tuesday's meeting, Councilwoman Margaret Van Houten said she wanted to vote in favor of the ordinance, but also wanted to show her opposition to its sexual orientation language. She was voted down, as she was last month.

You can reach Darren A. Nichols at (734) 462-2190 or dnichols@ detnews.com.