Laserfiche WebLink
From: Cary Kelly <br />To: PublicComment <br />Subject: Public Comment Regarding Item 9A Fiscal Budget <br />Date: Saturday, June 20, 2020 12:31:05 PM <br />Dear Redwood City Council Members, <br />At a time when cities across the nation are taking brave steps to reduce the footprint of the <br />police department within their communities, it is inappropriate and unconscionable that the <br />City of Redwood City increase the police budget, especially by the amount proposed. Though <br />the budget change may correspond to a negotiated salary increase and not staffing shifts, it <br />flies in the face of calls for justice that demand for less policing overall. A better paid police <br />force ignores these demands and the much more important conversation of reimagining law <br />enforcement. As a teacher, volunteer, and resident of Redwood City, I would like to see our <br />police department largely reformed and reduced, divesting money from the police to <br />community services that address the trues causes of crime in our community (poverty, racism, <br />homelessness, mental health crises) and not the symptoms that police are called to handle. <br />Thank you for your time and consideration of how our city should prioritize its valuable funds <br />during this period of intense distrust in public institutions. <br />Sincerely, <br />Cary Kelly <br />Pronouns: he/him <br />Cary Kelly <br />Pronouns: he/him <br />520-668-4121 <br />