After two unsuccessful attempts to gain a seat on Sault Ste. Marie's police services board, Ward 3 Coun. Angela Caputo is warning the oversight board is overdue for a diversity shakeup.
"I think that it is unfortunate, because the police services board historically is very male-dominated," Caputo said Tuesday in a social-media post.
She was commenting on a Monday-night decision by city council to re-appoint Ward 4 Coun. Marchy Bruni as a municipal appointee to the police board.
"The police services board is one of the boards that I have a real interest in sitting on," Caputo said.
"I have wanted it since I got on council. Two councillors are appointed to that board, and one citizen appointee from the city, and then the province gets two appointees.
"I ran for it last time and lost a six-to-five margin, and the same thing happened last night. The reason why it's really important for me to want to sit on this board is because I think the police services board needs a new direction and a new lens.
"I think it's healthy for boards to have people come in and shake them up a little bit and have those different lenses and different ideas, different perspectives.
"Last night, though, council decided against that. They chose to go with Coun. Bruni again, who has had a few terms on the police services board.
"My pitch to them was sort of that he's had his time to leave his imprint, and I'm sure he has. I would like the opportunity to do so but unfortunately I lost that vote six to five."
Caputo expressed appreciation that former city solicitor Nuala Kenny was recently appointed to the police board.
"I would have really looked forward to working with her. I think that she's going to bring a great lens to the police services board.
"But instead that seat ended up going to Coun. Bruni. I do think Coun. Bruni is going to do his due diligence there. It's just I think I bring a vastly different lens, and I think the police service needs a vastly different lens.
"But I guess council did not agree. Six to five, I lost that seat. If I decide to run for council again, you will see me probably try to get that seat again. I would love for more of our citizens, more of our constituents, to feel represented on that board.
"I think it's unfortunate to have four men and one woman sitting there. I think that that board needs to be diversified even further.
"So, when you see the boards and committees appointments come out, if you're interested in applying and you are a person with a diverse background, I would really encourage you to apply," Caputo said.