HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/26/2023 Item Public Comment, Jewish Action SLO
From:Elie Axelroth <
To:E-mail Council Website
Cc:Bend The Arc SLO
Subject:Opposition to the Proposed New Police Building
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TO THE SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL:
We're writing in opposition to the proposed spending of $52 million for a new police building in the City of San Luis
Obispo. At a time when the entire country is looking to shift resources from police departments to other community
services, such as homeless support, mental health, youth and senior services, etc. a new police building would literally set
in concrete a vision of policing that does not take into consideration how best to truly make our community safer.
Twenty percent of the city’s budget (the largest share of any department) is currently spent on law enforcement, and yet,
much of that money is not spent on preventing or responding to crime. According to the 2021 SLOPD Annual Crime
Report, only about 5% of 911 calls involve violent crimes, whereas 20% of calls pertain to homelessness and 21% are
related to mental health. This makes it clear that spending more on mental health and other services is what will actually
impact community safety—not a new police building.
As you know, the proposed new building would be debt-financed and paid off using Measure G funding. Measure G,
which is expected to raise more than $21 million annually, is approved to be used for community safety, creek protection,
addressing homelessness, keeping public areas safe and clean, retaining local businesses, youth/senior services, streets,
open space/natural areas and other vital services and facilities. With the anticipated cost overruns, this means that nearly
three years of Measure G funding would be spent on a new police building. What crucial services will not be funded
because we’re paying off a $52 million police building?
While we understand that the current police facility needs to be brought up to code, the community has not had the
opportunity to provide input into the size or scope of the project. We believe that the City must consult the community
before any major decisions have been made on this project, and in all budgetary matters moving forward.
Sincerely,
Bend the Arc: Jewish Action SLO
Elie Axelroth
Susan Dressler
Sari Dworkin
Brynne Speizer
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