As described in our founding mission statement, “Indivisible Marin is a community of citizens committed to protecting American values of inclusion, equality and justice.” A key operating principle for us is to use the influence that we have, as constituents, with our elected officials to effect structural change.
Today, we are kicking off a “Week of Action for Racial Justice.” Each day this week, we will send you a concrete action that you can take to further the goals of the Black Lives Matter movement. These actions will involve contacting elected officials at the local, state and federal level. Others will involve ways for us as individuals to learn and become stronger allies in the movement.
DAY 1 ACTION
Support our partner, ICE Out Of Marin, in its call for the Marin County Board of Supervisors to oppose the Sheriff’s budget proposal for an increase in funding. The Board of Supervisors will be considering the 2020-2021 budget at their monthly meeting which starts at 9 AM.
In a sign-on letter to the Board, ICE Out of Marin states:
“We call on the Board of Supervisors to recognize that it is time to shift funds from the Sheriff’s department into other areas of the county’s budget that truly promote public health and community safety. We call on the Board of Supervisors to require far more public-facing transparency than is currently available in the Chief Administrative Officer’s budget document, so that members of the community can participate in a meaningful discussion and decision-making process about how our taxes are actually being spent. Full text of letter here.
ACTION STEP
Please email your comments to BOS@marincounty.org no later than the deadline of 3:30 PM TODAY. Include in your email that you are writing regarding Agenda Item #9, as well as your name and address. If you like, please identify yourself as a member of Indivisible Marin. Emailed comments will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors and will be placed into the public record. You may use this template email or write your own.
BACKGROUND
Our Board of Supervisors oversees the budget for the Sheriff’s department. Tomorrow, they will be presenting their proposed budget for 2020-21. In that budget, in a time when every single department is being called upon to cut costs, our Sheriff’s budget is increasing. The Sheriff’s budget shows both a $3.3 million decline in revenue and a $3.3 million increase in costs, meaning that our Sheriff’s Department is asking for $6.6 million from the county in a time of massive cost cutting.
OTHER OPTIONAL ACTIONS
Watch the meeting at 9 AM tomorrow, 6/9. Viewing options include via the Board of Supervisors’ website or on Comcast Channel 27 or AT&T Channel 99.
Comment during the meeting: During the meeting, when it is time for public expression, you may make a comment when the specific agenda item is considered by the Board. There will be a time limit set for the comment period by the Board President. Your comments will also become part of the public record.
Participate via Zoom:
Visit www.zoom.us/joinMeeting ID: 947 4251 8384
Password: 352 533
Use the "Raise Hand" button to inform the moderator that you would like to comment.
Participate by phone:
Dial (669) 900-6833, Meeting ID: 947 4251 8384. Press *9 at the appropriate time to make a comment.
Thank you for stepping up to the moment.
Keep watch for the Day 2 Action tomorrow.
In Solidarity,
The IndiMarin Steering Committee - Laurie, Susan S, Betsy, Justine and Susan M