"My vote in opposition to the City Manager's budget was not because of what is contained within it, but rather entirely because of what it is missing. A large group of concerned citizens, like so many others, attended the budget hearings and made their voices heard; and while they had the chance to speak their concerns, none of their requests were ever really considered. Through this vote, the Mayor and Council essentially attempted to silence an entire community, and that is simply something I cannot abide. I believe in equity and unity, and how the same Council can vote in favor of one item to support inclusion and being counted, but not for another item promoting the same things in the same meeting, is beyond my comprehension. At the very least, the feasibility of what was being requested should be explored, but there does not even seem to be the desire for that on the Council. I completely support everything presented in this budget, I just cannot back omitting something that further erodes community trust."
