HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/2/2021 Item 3a, Storm
From:Stefani Storm <stefanistorm@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, November
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Expansion
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Hello,
I am writing in regards to the (ridiculous) petition proposed by the local Democratic Socialists of America SLO and BLM
chapter.
I find it highly ironic that an organization (BLM) that is so outspoken about where the cities funds should go, has not
taken the time to “police“ where their funds go. This was made very plain by the fact that a leader of their organization
is buying up mini mansions in Southern California, but we are unable to see any local or state donations made by this
organization since their inception. That being said, I think their opinion on where and what funds should be allocated on
is null and void.
Being a member of the tax paying and law abiding community, I would have to very vocally disagree. The men and
women as well as future men and women who will use that facility practically live there. Many may not realize, myself
included prior to adulthood, how much time our law enforcement officers spend at work and in there facilities. Why do
they do this? Certainly not because they always want to… many times it is because of the city they feel to our
community.. THEIR community. Many of them miss their families, friends, events, holidays, doctors appointments (for
themselves) to be their to serve you and I.
“Carceral.” The fact that BLMCASLO and Democratic Socialists of America SLO have chosen to use this word to describe
law enforcement is laughable. Especially considering democratic socialists by definition is an oxymoron… do we see the
theme? These groups and organizations have these expectations and demands, really, yet have no actual real grasp of
reality. Yet, they want to demand the city not build something that actually does serve the public with a tangible and
documented history of doing so. What they fail to mention is the many residents who do appreciate the service they
receive from law enforcement and who have never had the opportunity to be incarcerated. We will skip over the part of
personal choices and consequences to those choices…
Most of police work involves serving their community in many different ways, not all, in fact the majority, not leading to
any type of incarceration. In some cases, yes it does, but does that not also serve a need for those who are victims to
those who are being arrested? Do their voices not matter?
It has been proposed the city invest it into the community yet they have no plan, that I have seen, with what to do with
that money. It is very easy to say, “Give it to those in need!” What is their criteria? What is the plan for redistribution of
those funds? This appears to be a classic case of being part of the problem, not the solution. It is very easy to sit back
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and say, “I think you should do a,b &c,” but have absolutely no plan for how to carry it out. I would call on both
organizations mentioned to provide proof of their donations and funds used to help those in need versus what they
have available to them that isn’t being used for that purpose.
When making this decision The most responsible thing to do would be to look at the community and what effect it will
have on it. Are those speaking out against it the majority of the population? Those on council were chosen to represent
their constituents, meaning you serve the community and the needs of those in it. If the majority of the community is in
agreement, this should not even be an issue. The council has already done enough damage to law enforcement in the
past two years with their mayor, Heidi Harmon, leading the fight in police hate rhetoric, it does not need to continue. Do
the job you were elected to do and take care of those you represent. This is not a case of being racially unjust. As a
person of color, I support our law enforcement officers, elected officials, and those who make it their job to serve and
protect members of the community, even when it’s members are less than supportive of them.
Respectfully,
Stephanie Storm
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