Why Me?

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Dialogue Facilitation

I am a professional dialogue facilitator. skilled at listening intently and nonjudgmentally to people of all backgrounds and points of view. I use my skills to get people expressing their views, not merely reacting to mine.​ I have run virtual small-group discussions for the Los Angeles Police Department, engaging sworn officers, leadership, recruits, and community members and academics. 

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Reports on Public Meetings

​I have authored dozens of detailed reports for City Bureau Documenters on public meetings, including many addressing public safety. Read them here.

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Policy "Know-How"

I know how to push for policies.  Chicago City Council recently passed an ordinance that increased fines that can be imposed on city officials by the Board of Ethics from $2,500 to $20,000.  That idea was first officially proposed by me to the Board of Ethics.

 

Empathy for Victims of Crime, Police Misconduct, and Whistleblower Retaliation 

My experience has given me sympathy for those who have been mistreated by the police.  Serving as the chair of the faculty organization at the University of Kurdistan Hawler, in Iraq, I experienced retaliation as a whistleblower.  I was terminated with two hours warning, and later got "served" at my door by three paramilitary officers in camouflage pointing AK–47s at me.  Read more about it here (p. 11).

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When my father was 93 years old, living alone, he was a victim of check fraud by a companion service worker and a nurse's aid, to the tune of $60,000. We had to register with the Connecticut Office of Victim Services. The experience was more irksome than supportive.

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Fitting Temperament

I take a thoughtful, balanced, nuanced, creative approach to the complex, challenging issues of police oversight and policy. The job of Police District Council member requires a fair and independent minded person who never buckles under the pressure of the group, or marches in lockstep with the crowd. I am that person.