Commissioner Darlene Svensson apologizes but asks commission to consider full record

Commissioner Darlene D. Svensson addressed the commission and asked members to consider the full record and context of remarks she made on Sept. 15, saying edited excerpts had changed their meaning. Svensson said she was appointed to participate in the public process, that asking difficult questions is part of the role, and that she did not intend to cause pain. "Nonetheless, it was me that said the very wrong words and I am so very sorry," she told the commission.

Svensson asked that any decision affecting her reputation or service rely on complete, accurate evidence rather than selective excerpts. She requested a fair standard of due process before a decision to censure or remove a commissioner, and said she intends to continue standing for transparency and asking legitimate questions. The commission adopted the censure by vote later in the meeting.