Jomsky, Mark
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Julieta Aragon < Monday, March
28, 2022 1 :13 PM Jomsky, Mark
Public Comment
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Mr. Jomsky
I am one of hundreds of residents who are alarmed with the recent vote by the council to change general public comment to the end of the agenda. This is an attack on the free speech rights of Pasadenans to not allow the voice of the public to start the meetings.
First, by moving general public comment to the end limits the ability for working class residents to participate.
Many residents will find it difficult to wait until 9pm or later to get to this agenda item and speak. Additionally by making this abrupt change the council is sending a clear signal that the recent uptick in public comments about police violence in this city are not welcome in the council chambers.
I am calling on you to rescind this motion and restore the general public comment to the beginning of the meeting. Residents should not be retaliated against for voicing their critiques and demands that the human rights of Black, Latinx, renters, immigrants, and working class residents be respected.
Sincerely,
Julieta
Julieta Aragon
National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON)
1 Jomsky. Mark
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Tina Williams <>
Monday, March 28, 2022 12:20 PM
Gordo, Victor; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Kennedy, John J.; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jose; Madison, Steve; Wilson, Andy
De La Cuba, Vannia; Dyson, Darla; Porras, Susana; Sullivan, Noreen; Morales, Margo; Suzuki, Takako; Thyret, Pam; Jomsky, Mark
Change in the order of Public Comment
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Honorable Mayor Gordo and Councilmembers,
I am contacting you today to request that you return the time of public comment for items not on the agenda to the beginning of the council meeting. I believe it is imperative that the public have the opportunity to speak on items not on the agenda at the beginning of council meetings for the following reasons:
• Historically, public discourse has held a prominent place in our City's governance. It is one of the many reasons Pasadena is a great place to live.
• It affirms that the Council is ready to hear the concerns of the public and values their input. • Allows for the elderly, parents, children, and others with special circumstances to have the opportunity to speak earlier in the evening rather than to sit for what could be hours until they are given the opportunity to speak.
• The move to have public comment at the end of the council meeting may have the unintended consequence of furthering division and needlessly cause public distrust and scrutiny of the Council.
Thank you for considering my request.
Tina Williams
Director of Community Engagement I Harambee Ministries
www.harambeeministries.org
Pasadena, CA 91103
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