HomeMy WebLinkAboutRequest to Reallocate Policing Fund to Other Underfunded Programs
Christian, Kevin
From:Anna LaVonne Wannenwetsch <awannenw@calpoly.edu>
Sent:Tuesday, June 2, 2020 12:15 AM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Request to Reallocate Policing Fund to Other Underfunded Programs
Dear City Council,
My name is Anna Wannenwetsch, and I am a resident of San Luis Obispo and a student at Cal Poly.
As you know, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and so many unnamed
others have been killed because of our country’s systemic racist criminal justice system.
In light of these events, we ask that in today’s review of the 2020-21 budget, you reallocate some of the
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. Policing is not meant to solve all of the problems, it is a part of the problem by being
one of the structures, such as the prison industrial complex, the drug war, immigration law, etc. that target
and systemically oppress Black people.
We are done with good and honest people being killed because of the color of their skin.
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 systematic racism.
Thank you for all you do for the City of San Luis Obispo and for your consideration.
All the best,
Anna
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