$124.5M = The Wrong Jail

They say try something new that scares you- Today I attempted to filibuster the Vote on the Jail Bond Language. Why? Because this is not the jail we deserve and is the direct result of an incredibly flawed process and reticence to engage the public.

The Sheriff and those supporting the new jail and sheriff's office facility would like you to believe that the proposed jail is going to cost taxpayers $94.5 Million dollars. But what they failed to add was the projected interest on top of that dollar figure. And it's no small number- it's $30 Million in projected interest.

This would mean an estimated total of $124.5 Million Dollars

I was outvoted today by my colleagues (as was Supervisor Remington), in the name of letting the public decide the fate of this facility.

So let us decide the fate then. I have spent my entire career working with communities across the state to address social and racial justice issues that are only worsened by our climate crisis.

You helped elect me because I believe in a future that we all deserve. One that leans into Communities of Care over Communities of Incarceration, Affordable Housing for everyone regardless of income, because HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT, and social and racial justice as a Northstar.

I need your help. I need you. Over the next few months we will be:

1. Doorknocking

2. Making phone calls and sending text messages

3. Submitting donations to the cause

I will be sending out information about that action plan shortly. First, this effort needs funding to get information printed and distributed. I urge you to join me and donate now:

https://johnsoncountydeservesbetter.org/donate

I also want to send a heartfelt thank you to those that showed up today and every week to submit public comment. You are Brilliant. We need you. I need you. And I understand that it is a sacrifice on your part to take time out of work, find childcare and transportation. So thank you, thank you.

I am committed to our future together.

Maraming Salamat,

V