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BACKGROUND On November 17, 1998, the City Council approved the Civic Arts Commission's recommendation to create the position of Pleasanton Poet Laureate. The primary role of the Poet Laureate would be to provide appropriate poetry at civic events, and promote the appreciation of the literary arts in the community. The first Poet Laureate, Charlene Villella (1999 - 2001), provided poetry for many City events and started the tradition of the Century House Poetry readings that continue today. Jim Ott (2001 - 2003) expanded the Poet Laureate program to include regular television broadcasts, and Kirk Ridgeway (2003 - 2005) played a key role in creation of the very successful Pleasanton Poetry, Prose and Arts Festival. Current Poet Laureate Cynthia Bryant has added programs and workshops, and gained national recognition for her Poetry for the Iraqi People program. The Poet Laureate Program also won an award from the National Conference of Mayors in 2001. The Poet Laureate serves for atwo-year period, and Cynthia Bryant's term is about to expire. The Civic Arts Commission established a Poet Laureate Selection Committee, which met on May 10, 2007 to review potential applicants. Members of the Committee included: Tony Rivera -Civic Arts Commission Margene Gerton Rivara -Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council Judy Wheeler -Citizen-At-Large Fred Norman -Non-Academic Poet Toby Bielawski -Las Positas College Morgan Mitchell -Pleasanton Library Kathy Cordova -Community-At-Large Committee members Susan Groshans -Media Representative, and Carol Bradley -Foothill High School were unable to attend the meeting and participate in the final vote; however, they provided the Committee with written evaluations and impressions of the applicants. Current Poet Laureate Cynthia Bryant also attended the meeting, providing expertise and input, but did not participate in the final selection. Poet Laureate Emeriti Kirk Ridgeway and Jim Ott, and David Wright, co-producer of the Pleasanton Poetry, Prose and Arts Festival, also provided the Committee with their impressions and thoughts regarding the role of the Poet Laureate. Two (2) Pleasanton poets submitted application materials for the Committee's consideration -Deborah Grossman and Martha Meltzer. Each applicant was required to submit four (4) original poems, aone-page letter of interest, and a resume documenting their training, background and affiliations, as well as indications of active participation in promoting the literary arts in the community. They were also required to submit an outline of their vision -goals, projects, and Page 2 of 3