Hi, my name is [NAME] and I am a resident of [NEIGHBORHOOD]. I am writing to demand that the Huntsville City Council adopt a city budget that prioritizes community wellbeing, and redirects funding away from the police.
The proposed budget for 2020 allocates 31.7% (50,541,228) of the personnel budget towards police. This is more than the next highest two budget categories combined (Fire & Rescue and Public Works).
I demand that the City Council meaningfully redirect money away from the Huntsville PD and proven to more effectively promote a safe and equitable community: community-based mental health services, substance abuse treatment services, affordable housing programs, and more. I demand a budget that will benefit the community and make the city of Huntsville a better, more equitable place to live.
We don’t need a militarized police force. We need to create a space in which more mental health service providers, social workers, victim/survivor advocates, religious leaders, neighbors, and friends - all of the people who really make up our community - can look out for one another.
Thank you for your time,
[YOUR NAME][YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR EMAIL][YOUR PHONE NUMBER]