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278 Norris said he thinks that raising the issue of tenants having a conflict of issue is demeaning. Ms. Margurite Murray, 1810 Solomon Road, expressed agreement with Mr. Norris' comments and said that if training is needed for resident members, it should be provided. Ms. Moji Olaniyan, 709 Village Road, said that she has worked with the Westhaven Tenant Association and appealed to Council to think about what they are about to do: Ms. Olaniyan said she thinks that three residents and fewer Councilors should be on the board and she believes Joy Johnson should continue to serve since no one can match her passion. Mr. Mark Krebs, i010 Blue Ridge Road, said that he feels for people in public housing and feels there ShoUld be four residents of public housing on a seven member board. Mr. Ben Thacker-Gwaltney, 308 Monte Vista Avenue, said that he has done some research on the issue of conflict of interest for public housing residents sitting on the board, and has been told that the same laws apply to them as apply to Councilors. Mr. Thacker-Gwaltney said that a bill is being considered by a Congressional committee that would require one public housing resident to serve on the board. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Ms. Daugherty said that one reason the composition of the Housing Authority is being discussed is that a focus on redevelopment, which has been suggested, would mean that persons with a knowledge of building and development would be desired for the board. Ms. Daugherty said that many new ideas and possible configurations of the board have been put forward, but Council has yet to agree ona permanent composition and mission. Ms. Daugherty said that Council is interested in bringing along the community in helping to discuSs the future of the Housing Authority and in stabilizing the board through appointment of a Director. Ms. Daugherty said that she hopes the people who participated in the public hearing will be involved in the process. Ms. Richards said that the issue of Council representation on the board will be discussed, noting that the survey showed that it is not common for Councilors and residents, to a lesser extent, to be members. Ms. Richards said that she intends to question the need for Council representation on the board and she hopes the public will work with Council to resolve these issues. Mr. Cox said he has been supportive of decreasing Council's representation on the board and increasing tenant participation, and feels that the issue is about empowerment. Mr. Cox said he is uncomfortable with the interim board and the fact that nothing in the ordinance assures that the board will include more residents, and unless language is added to address that concern, he will vote against it. Mr. Toscano said that he agrees with Mr. Cox's concerns about the long-term, and said that Council has always felt that residents should have a voice on the board, noting that he had voted to change the board from five Councilors to include two residents. In the long-term, Mr. Toscano said he supports empowering residents, but the' questi6h is: how to do so in an effective wayl Mr. Toscano said that hiring the Director is very important for more than just the board. Mr. Toscano said that he is concerned with the allegations made by former board members and the public and the attempts by some to divide Council. Mr. Toscano said that he' feels that Mr. Thacker-Gwaltney provided very good ideas to COunCil for restrUcturing the board in the long-term and future mission of the board. Mr. Toscano noted that the interim board composition will sunset on June 30, 1999. ~ Ms. Daugherty said that there will be representation from housing authority residents on the interView panel for the Director.