From: Deborah Kallic
To: Kimberley White; Sarah Schaefer; Stacy Atkins-Salazar; Meredith Matthews; Alex Stillman; City Manager"s Office Subject: Municipal Scope and Community Impact of Proposed Foreign Policy Resolution Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 12:59:53 PM
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March 18, 2026 in advance of Arcata City Council meeting today Dear Mayor and Members of the Arcata City Council,
I am writing to respectfully urge the Council to carefully consider the advisability of adopting resolutions that address complex international conflicts beyond the City’s jurisdiction or practical influence. Local government holds public trust based on their responsibility for municipal services, fiscal stewardship, public safety, land use, infrastructure, housing, and economic vitality. When official time and institutional voice are directed toward geopolitical matters, there is a risk that attention is diverted from these core obligations and that symbolic advocacy may be perceived as substituting for actionable local governance.
Such resolutions may also carry unintended social consequences within the community. In the current national climate, public statements that appear to take sides in deeply contested international conflicts can heighten polarization among residents and contribute to feelings of vulnerability or marginalization among minority groups, including members of the Jewish community. Regardless of intent, maintaining an environment of inclusion, safety, and mutual respect is a fundamental civic responsibility.
Municipal institutions are most effective when they focus on areas where their authority and expertise can produce tangible benefit for constituents. By prioritizing local needs and fostering constructive dialogue rather than symbolic positioning on global conflicts, the Council can help strengthen community cohesion and public confidence in local governance.
I also wish to raise a related concern regarding the conduct of public meetings. During times of armed conflict, serious allegations are often reported before they can be independently verified. When accusations of grave criminal conduct — such as intentionally targeting children — are repeated as established fact in a government forum without verification, there is a risk that defamatory narratives become normalized and that a hostile civic environment is created for affected residents. We have seen many examples of this both inside the chamber and out.
I respectfully ask that the Council remind speakers that unverified wartime claims should not be presented as factual determinations during city meetings, particularly when such statements may inflame hostility within the local community. As elected officials who have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights and safety of all residents, Council members play an essential role in ensuring that civic forums remain respectful, responsible, and grounded in factual integrity.
Thank you for your consideration of these concerns and for your continued service to the residents of Arcata and surroundings.
Kind regards,
Deborah Kallick, PhD, Resident of McKinleyville who spends a lot of time and money in Arcata.