Working toward justice is what brought me to this distinct moment in time with you. It is the value I believe must be core to every decision made with regard to our local systems.
Douglas County has been demanding that elected officials do better at investing in programs which will bring more equity, opportunity, and stability to more people. Those demands are valid.
Justice in local government looks like bigger investments in the social services that actively support folks in daily life. What it does *not* look like is expanding our jail despite the evidence that we do not need it, nor want it.
This is what justice can look like: housing for everyone first, food security for all of our families, incarcerating far fewer people, creating stronger mental health treatment & recovery services, giving sanctuary to all of our immigrant neighbors, divestment from systems that create harm, shifting our county resources into what we know increases safety & stability, accessible services for people with disabilities, and more ... there's so much I believe we can create together once I become your Commissioner.
The physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the people in Douglas County is paramount to building stronger and safer communities. Investing in the tangible support of our people must be a top priority.
While we navigate an ongoing public health crisis especially, now is the time to shift our focus swiftly in order to center the needs of our most underserved populations. If we begin by meeting previously unmet needs, we will establish healthier stability for everyone.
I know that it is not possible for us to collectively thrive until fewer of us are actively surviving such adverse realities like poverty, systemic oppression, abuse, racism, lack of access, and a myriad of health risks suffered by our most marginalized and vulnerable community members.
My experience navigating crisis, along with my capacity for identifying where barriers exist, will bring a fresh perspective to our County Commission. I believe in harm reduction and will look through that lens when making choices about where our county resources must be focused.
I will advocate for your safety and your right to build more stability.
In recent weeks and months, we have mounting evidence of just how possible it really is for our communities to adapt & shift how we've always done things until now. I want to help bring change to our county. I know it is doable.
Change is inevitable, necessary, and full of potential when we lean into the unknowns ahead. I intend to become your Commissioner so that I can bring your ideas to the table, and uplift your voices in a space where powerful decisions are made. People deserve true representation; I take seriously my duty as your future Commissioner to actively listen to what you say you need from us.
The status quo should always be closely examined, and constantly re-imagined. That's what I hear Douglas County residents asking for. My commitment to you is that I will find ways to change our local systems to create more justice and safety, to build anew models for community care, and to focus our funds on true public health.
These definitions of 'change' are my commitments to you:
: to make radically different,
: to transform,
: to give a different position, course, or direction to,
: to make a shift from one to another
I am your candidate for change.
Paid for by Shannon Reid for County Commission, Treasurer Elyse Towey
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