DeKalb’s Human Relations Commission is looking to fill a vacancy in the nine-member board.

The commission meets once a month and hears citizens’ complaints about possible rights violations.

No sooner did the commission gain Lydia Kaplan, who is employed as an NIU office supervisor, when member Myrna Swedberg resigned Tuesday.

Other commission members who also work at NIU include Affirmative Action Director Marilyn Montiero, Legal Counsel George Shur and CHANCE Program Director Leroy Mitchell.

A problem in filling a commission vacancy occurred in December 1990 when Mayor Greg Sparrow decided not to recommend Student Association Sen. Kelly Marie McDonald because he felt she would disrupt the commission. No students currently serve on the commission.

Chairman Del Lawson said while the commission doesn’t have specific requirements about members, it is good to have “a cross section of the community.” He suggested a member from the Hispanic community would be beneficial.

Anyone interested in becoming a member should contact Sparrow, who presents the nominee for the city council’s confirmation.