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Hello, I have received your comments on Resolution 17-019 and will include them in the supplemental packet that publishes and prints today (before noon). The council packet and supplemental
packet, including Resolution 17-019 is published on our website. You may access it at:
http://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/citycouncil/city-council-regular-meeting-150 Thank you, Jo Johnson, MMC City Clerk City of Homer 491 E. Pioneer Avenue Homer, Alaska 99603 907.235.3130 jjohnson@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx PUBLIC RECORDS LAW DISCLOSURE:
Most e-mails from or to this address will be available for public inspection under Alaska public records law. From: Nina Faust [mailto:fausbail@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
February 20, 2017 Dear Council Members: RE: RESOLUTION 17-019 OF THE CITY OF HOMER, ALASKA: stating that the City of Homer adheres to the principle of inclusion and herein committing this city to resisting efforts to divide this community
with regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, national origin, physical capabilities, or sexual orientation regardless of the origin of those efforts, including from local, state or federal agencies. In light of the heightened intensity of rhetoric in the country expressing racist, anti-semitic, sexist, and derogatory statements toward women, religious minorities, immigrants, and others who may be different, I believe it is good for
the City to set a tone that expresses support for the civility that makes a community a wonderful, welcoming place to live for those who chose to live here. Homer is a very special community, one that does show caring, concern, and compassion for those who
need a bit of extra help. We have a generous food bank, people who are trying to help folks who are homeless, organizations that help kids who need a leg up with school supplies and some extra food, and so much more. As we look around the community we can see the
network of good that reaches out to many who need extra help and welcoming. But despite all of this, there is in Homer an undercurrent of the same divisive, nasty rhetoric that has increased in the past year nationwide. Passing this resolution is an affirmation of the good qualities that the citizenry of Homer
demonstrate daily. When a surge of the incivility arises in the country or a local community, a resistance to making that kind of behavior unacceptable is important. It is not acceptable that students start using racist language to minorities in schools.
Schools should be safe zones for all students. It is not acceptable that a woman has to put up with misogynistic harassment. The examples can go on and on. The bottom line is we all deserve to live our lives without the fear that can be induced by hateful
language directed at minorities, women, disabled, LGBTQ, or others. Language does matter. I think this Resolution is a good way for the City of Homer to emphasize the nature of our community at large—safe, inclusive, caring, kind, compassionate, and welcoming of the diversity that different individuals bring to Homer.
Nina Faust |