HomeMy WebLinkAbout____ INSERT UNIQUE SUBJECT LINE____ (15)Dear Mayor Harmon and San Luis Obispo City Council,
My name is Jeanne Buchanan and I am a resident of Los Osos who spends a lot of time in the San Luis Obispo to shop, eat, and participate in local activities. I am writing support and
encourage the San Luis Obispo City Council in adopting a city budget that prioritizes community well-being, and redirects funding away from the police.
In 2019, the City of San Luis Obispo allocated 36.3 million dollars to our police system, an inordinate 27.5% of our total budget. This is compared to just 7.3% of the budget, $9.7 million,
allocated towards community development, with only $1.4 million towards housing development. Next year, the city estimates that there will be a $8.6 million deficit as a result of the
pandemic. The city may recoup these funds by decreasing the police budget.
I respectfully ask that the City Council begin meaningfully defunding the San Luis Obispo Police Department and re-allocate those funds to programs proven to more effectively promote
a safe and equitable community. We need funding for community-based mental health services, substance abuse treatment services, affordable housing programs, not police. I support a
budget that reflects the actual needs of San Luis Obispo residents.
History has shown that police "reform" is not enough. No more money, and more importantly, no more lives must be lost to police. We must take a hard look at the way the current system
in place fails to serve-and in fact actively harms-our community, and come together to reimagine the role of police in our city.
I would also encourage that your diversity programs include trainings for our community partners, including law enforcement.
I am urging you to completely revise the budget for the 2020-2021 <tel:2020-2021> fiscal year, and to invest in the people, not the police.
Thank you for your time,
Jeanne Buchanan
1427 13th Street, Los Osos
jeannebuchanan@ hotmail.com <http://hotmail.com>
805.801.7284 <tel:805.801.7284>
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