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Burlington Mayoral candidates discuss diversity

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BURLINGTON, Vt. -

The race for Burlington's next mayor is moving forward and the three candidates are not taking the weekend-off.

Democrat Miro Weinberger, Republican Kurt Wright, and Independent Wanda Hines sat down in the Old North End Saturday to discuss diversity and equality.

Minorities are expected to make up 30-percent of the Queen City by 2030. The candidates say they'll do what's necessary to make sure everyone has an equal opportunity to find work in Burlington.

Miro Weinberger, Democrat for Mayor said Saturday, "I think this is a city-wide issue, we are not creating enough jobs as a city, in Burlington, there are, I think, major missed opportunities throughout the city."

Republican for Mayor, Kurt Wright said, "I will strive to make sure that in city hall we do things that promote understanding of cultural issues, diversity issues, equity issues."

Wanda Hines, Independent for Mayor said, "Clearly the leadership does not reflect and the decision-making does not reflect minority populations and until it does, I believe we will never be in a position -- minorities -- where the workforce will reflect the population."

The mayoral election will take place on Town Meeting Day, March 6.

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