To: Shirlee Zane, County Supervisor and Shirlee Zane, County Supervisor
Human Rights Commission of Sonoma County California "Trumped"/Axed by County Government! Please ...
The County Government is saying that the reason to defund its appointed and volunteer Commission on Human Rights is cost... no way!!! The cost for the measly 12-hour a week staff person is $26,432.60, including benefits!... per year.... out of a County Budget of more than $1.8 Billion!!.
Why is this important?
The State of California very recently reported that our County experienced a 40% increase in Hate Crimes in 2017 as compared to 2016! The Commission on Human Rights for Sonoma County, California is a strong advocate for the most basic rights of our most marginalized and needy residents. The Commissioners are appointed and volunteer. The most likely county residents who need their help are......all people of color, the Homeless, disabled, LGBT, Indigenous Peoples, etc. etc.. Our County Government Budget for 2018-2019 eliminated the measly 12 hours a week, of staff support, the meeting room for the Commission to meet residents, and the emergency phone line which needy residents use in an emergency to contact the Commission when they are desperate! The County Government says that the issue is "money." The total cost to the County is only $26,432.60, including benefits, for the measly twelve hours a week of staff support!...out of a 2018-2019 Budget of more than $1.8 billion! No way.... the county's motives are 100% political!! A move right out of the Trump-Playbook. I am a white male. I am a "Senior Citizen." I am not in the demographics which so desperately need our Commission on Human Rights.... but, I do have morality and I care deeply. Please help. Thank you very much.