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227 Rev. Marie Ford, 600 Shamrock Road, Pastor of the Sojourner Church of Christ, endorsed Richard Merriwether. Rev. Ford said Mr. Merriwether has shown leadership and support of children in church, and listens and understands all sides of issues before making his own conclusions. Mr. Michel King, 103 Shale Place, emphasized the importance of the School Board's responsiveness to the public's requests to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Mr. King said that only Linda Bowen was willing to put such a policy in writing, even though no case histories have been provided to support the School Board attorney's claim that it could increase their financial liability. Mr. King recommended that members be appointed who will ask for case histories, provide information to the public, and vote for the policy. Mr. King said that Mr. Merriwether has indicated his support for adopting such a policy. Rev. William Johnson, Old Lynchburg Road, said the he believes the incumbents on the School Board should and will be reappointed, and he supported Richard Merriwether, who he said is a compassionate and loving man, and highly respected in the community. Ms. Ella Carey, mother of two young children in City Schools, said that the system must prepare students to face the real word, the School Board must reflect the diversity of the community, and members need to be accessible. Ms. Carey endorsed Rolisa Smith as a long-time resident and product of City Schools who is open-minded, flexible, and has a sharp intellect. Ms. Rolisa Smith introduced herself as a candidate for the School Board, and said that it would be an honor and privilege to serve on the Board. Ms. Smith said she has two children in City Schools and feels that the School Board is missing a young voice with young children in the school system. Ms. Smith said that diversity on the School Board is a major issue, but not simply a black/white issue. Ms. Dede Smith, 2652 Jefferson Park Circle, expressed concern that too many current School Board members live in the Venable School District and felt new members should represent other schools. Mr. Nathan Van Hooser, Little High Street, said that he has worked with Richard Merriweather at the Alternative School and was impressed with his commitment to students. Mr. Van Hooser said he thinks Mr. Merriwether is a superb candidate and supports the ban on discrimination based on sexual preference. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was dosed. Ms. Slaughter thanked the speakers for their comments and said that the questions that were raised were very helpful. 5/Ir. Cox said that Council could pose a question concerning banning discrimination based on sexual orientation to candidates. Ms. Richards noted that Council has a written policy concerning banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and asked if it would be possible for the City Attorney's office to provide information to the School Board. Ms. Slaughter noted that she has written to the School Board asking them to reconsider the matter. REPORT: RIVANNA RIVER ROLrNDTABLE Mr. Russell Perry, 1626 St. Anne's Road, Co-Chair of the Rivanna River Roundtable, a group of 24 citizens from the area spanning the Rivarma River watershed appointed by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Corcanission, presented a report to Council. The main task of the Roundtable has been to envision the future of the river, especially regarding land