Committee on Democracy & Corporations Members
The Committee consists of seven members who have interest, knowledge or experience in the topics to be addressed by the Committee. Of the seven members, five must live within Arcata City limits and two may live or work in the Arcata Planning Area. See current vacancies and residency qualifications.
Terms
Committee members serve three year staggered terms ending July 31.
| Midge Brown Term: 2014 |
Richard Greene Term: 2013 |
| Kathleen Marshall - Chair Term: 2012 |
Megan McDrew Term: 2014 |
| Victor Reuther - Vice Chair Term: 2012 |
Vacancy (Recruitment Ongoing) Term: 2013 |
| Vacancy (Recruitment Ongoing) Term: 2014 |
Staff Liaison: Joe Mateer |
Powers and Duties
The powers and duties of the Committee on Democracy and Corporations are as specified in the Arcata Municipal Code, Sections 2255 to 2258. These powers and duties are outlined as follows:
A. To research and present to the City Council, Commissions or City staff as appropriate, options on how our community is taking action to control "pattern restaurants" from moving into downtown areas.
B. To cooperate with other communities that are working on socially responsible investing and procurement policies.
C. To advise the City Council, Commissions, or City staff as appropriate and provide educational opportunities to the citizens of Arcata, with prior City Council approval, on ways to promote "free and fair trade" and to oppose and provide alternatives to the World Trade Organization and any other global trade treaties that subvert democracy.
D. To advise the City Council, Commissions, or City staff as appropriate and provide educational opportunities to the citizens of Arcata, with prior City Council approval, in matters relating to ordinances and actions our community can take regarding corporations that have negative social and environmental impact.
E. To recommend a policy that the City Council can implement to do business with corporations that demonstrate ethical and exemplary civic practices, and which do not violate fair labor standards or have convictions for violating environmental laws.
F. Advise the City Council, Commissions or City staff as appropriate and provide education opportunities to the citizens of Arcata, with prior City Council approval, regarding policies, procedures and regulations which foster and sustain locally-owned businesses, publicly, or locally owned, services and worker-owned cooperatives and collectives.