We Stand With....

Dear Mayor and Common Council members,

We stand with Freedom Inc, Urban Triage, the Community Response Team, and the many thousands of people who have been protesting to call for justice for all Black people murdered by police, including Madison’s Tony Robinson; for community control over police; and for redirecting resources from police budgets to Black communities.

The curfews and police use of riot gear, tear gas, mace, and rubber bullets not only harm individuals. These policies and actions reinforce disparities in our city and move us farther from the social, political, and economic changes needed to realize a Madison where all can thrive.

We already have a blueprint for what Madison can do to equitably ensure public safety. The OIR Group and Madison Police Department Policy and Procedure Review Ad Hoc Committee reports represent years of work, subject matter expertise, and broad engagement of leaders and members across Madison’s diverse communities.

The Common Council passed resolutions accepting all 177 recommendations of the Ad Hoc group, but has yet to take action to ensure the implementation of the 173 recommendations not dealing with body-worn cameras.

At tonight’s Common Council meeting (June 2, 2020), we urge you to pass resolution #60764 to create a temporary oversight committee including Ad Hoc committee members to oversee the implementation of recommendations while the permanent civilian oversight board is formed.

We also urge you to oppose resolution #60762, which extends the state of emergency and curfews in Madison.

Sincerely,

Progressive Dane Steering Committee members

Diane Farsetta

Martha Kemble

Brenda Konkel

Annie Kraus

Heidi Wegleitner