PORT ANGELES — Racism is a longstanding issue in Port Angeles that affects more than U.S. Coast Guard personnel and requires community action to address the problem.
That’s the message many residents told a newly formed Community Multicultural Task Force meeting Wednesday at City Hall.
“I think this is a step in the right direction,” said Mike Svec, a lifelong Port Angeles resident and director of the YMCA Teen Scene teen center.
“It’s about time.”
The public forum, which had an audience of about 120, came in response to complaints by Port Angeles-based Coast Guard personnel that some residents and businesses have treated them in a racist manner.
Wednesday’s meeting is the first of what could be many discussions by the 12-member task force to address prejudice and educate local citizens on diversity issues, said Mayor Glenn Wiggins, who heads the group.
“Obviously we want to welcome all people to this community of all ethnic origins,” he told residents crowded into the council chambers.
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