June 2, 2008Diversity on the state transportation boardI was looking for contact information for one of the members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board and wound up on their Web page. That's supposed to reflect the diversity of Virginia? Two blacks, two women and 13 old white guys? |
SearchQuick Thought
Recent comments
Monthly archivesCategories
Latest columnsToday's editorials
Letters to the editorAbout this blogThe Roanoke Times editorial staff engages readers in a respectful dialogue and exchange of opinion, including our virtual editorial board where you can discuss tomorrow's editorials today. Read more about the editorial staff .....Advertisement.....
|
June 2, 2008
Diversity on the state transportation board
I was looking for contact information for one of the members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board and wound up on their Web page. That's supposed to reflect the diversity of Virginia? Two blacks, two women and 13 old white guys?

Comments
[June 2, 2008 12:32 PM]
JoshOf course. That's the best way to solve problems. Ignore what people know, and go for what they look like. I love when analytical problem-solving liberals get to the crux of the matter. That's why so many of them run private sector businesses so successfully.
Call it the Robert Mugabe Farm Management model.
[June 2, 2008 3:55 PM]
Ed S.Ah, the fallacy of the concept that some call "diversity".
Diversity of race and sex does *not* equate to diversity (or even relevance) of thought. Would I be looked down upon as a job applicant in the NRV bureau of the RT because I'm a "white guy"? Not sure if I'm "old", but I'm sure members of AARP would love the age discriminatory connotation in that comment.
Is there a governing document that specifies how the board shall reflect the "diversity" of the state (and exactly what shall be diverse about it)? Is there a particular performance issue with the members?
[June 3, 2008 6:49 AM]
BUDHang in there, Christian--looks like the terms of 4 "white guys" expire at the end of the month. Perhaps KAINE can find a few Asian homosexuals to make you (on the left) feel better. I mean that IS what it's all about right?
[June 3, 2008 7:53 AM]
Blue JohnWe need to know the gender and ages of the two blacks, and the ages of the two women to proceed with this conversation.
But wait, we aren't supposed to ask those questions, are we?
[June 3, 2008 8:46 AM]
LizI'm not quite sure what difference gender or race or age should make on a transportation board. I don't suspect women or minority ethnic groups have substantially different interests in how bridges and roads get built. I'd be more concerned with making sure all areas of the state are well represented to ensure that needed projects are funded and completed.
Diversity is a complex issue, but I can tell you that as a woman, I don't want to get a job just because I bring "diversity" to the table. I want to get a job because I earned it as the best candidate. If these "13 old whit guys" are well qualified for the job they do and if they're performing well, why make an issue of it at all?