183 [S3E30]: Tackling Problemas with the City Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs

The 812 converts to "El Ocho Doce" for the day, to welcome representatives from the Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs, which "works to identify and research the issues which impact those populations in Bloomington, especially in the areas of health, education, public safety and cultural competency." They help break the language barrier that prevents many residents from accessing services like medical care or housing, through forums on mental health or orienting newcomers to the community. Our guests are Marlo Libel (LEE-bell) — he's chair of the commission — and Ximena (hee-MEN-a) Martinez — she's the commission's liaison as well as the Latino Outreach Coordinator in the city's department of Community and Family Resources. 

We also get a brief update on the Vote Center Study Committee (VCSC), the special body appointed by the Monroe County Election Board, which has completed its report on whether the county should move from precinct-based to center-based voting, in which a voter can cast their vote on Election Day at any polling place in the county. (Last November we had an episode about the topic featuring Ralf Shaw and Ami Gandhi from the VCSC.) The report is now open for public scrutiny. VCSC chair Ilana Stonebraker outlines the final steps before the Election Board's decision in May.