HomeMy WebLinkAbout120825 email - Statement for proposed emergency appropriation_ Sheriff's Fund 12_8ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
I encourage commissioners to focus budget cuts to the Sheriff’s Fund and instead prioritize funding for public health, education, community development, and basic needs services. Community
safety is predicated on food security, housing stability, education, health care, and a sense of belonging. How do we ensure these foundational rights for all members of our community?
What does it mean to be in community and create a safe society?
While law enforcement is considered essential and some in law enforcement consider themselves officers of peace, the facts of history are begging to be considered. Institutions of law
enforcement were born as a form of social control to serve those in power, to protect those in power from those most marginalized and othered by society. The punitive system is known
to be predicated on and necessitated by the exploitation and disenfranchisement of those most marginalized. We are beginning to see this truth cracking the foundations of how we understand
safety, security, and community. Do not allow fear of the other or fear during this time of instability to rationalize the protection of social control at loss of institutions of social
empowerment.
The budget reflects our values for the future. Funding allocation should consider the aspect of place that makes Jefferson County strong and inspiring. We must protect and fund healthcare
services, such as the senior foot care program, food services, like the food banks, and 3rd places, like the rec center. We must preserve institutions that serve to meet the basic needs
of our community. The county budget should promote safety and wellbeing through supportive measures rather than focusing funds towards punitive systems.
I encourage you to limit the Sheriff's budget for the sake of allocating funds towards social safety in the form of community development and basic needs services. We know there is more
to community safety than control and punishment. We deserve better and demand better for the generations to come. Thank you.