HomeMy WebLinkAboutReallocate Police Budget Funds
Christian, Kevin
From:Matt G <mattygamarra@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 2, 2020 2:06 PM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Reallocate Police Budget Funds
Dear City Council,
My name is Matthew and I am a resident of San Luis Obispo.
As you know, Black people, like George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, along with so many unnamed others have
been killed because of our country’s systematically racist criminal justice system.
In light of these events, we ask that in today’s review of the 2020-21 budget, you reallocate funds currently directed toward the police
department to other programs and alternative forms of policing, such as community policing, community development, or even a specific
diversity, equity, and inclusion line item.
We believe this is a small request to begin to address the massive inequities and systems of oppression that have been perpetuated by
governmental inaction. Though this will not fix the problem, it will move our city in a positive direction and demonstrate a tangible
commitment to addressing systemic racism.
The events that unfolded earlier this week are intolerable and nothing short of excessive police force. There needs to be more checks on the
unruly policing practices that have evolved. This begins with defunding some of the gargantuan funds that are allocated to the police.
Thank you for all you do for the City of San Luis Obispo and for your consideration.
All the best,
Matthew Gamarra
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