Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers:
This message expresses my strong support for the establishment of an Ad Hoc Task Force on Immigration by the City of Santa Maria. Such a task force can address the many issues and concerns regarding immigration and immigrants in the City sphere through an open, collaborative and structured tool.
The main advantage of this task force is that it provides a channel for communication among interested parties. These interested parties need to make a commitment to fair and peaceful discussion.
Communication as a core value means fostering a culture of transparent, timely, and respectful dialogue to align teams, build trust, and drive results. It involves active listening, candid feedback, and adapting messages to diverse audiences. This value transforms communities by improving collaboration, enabling constructive conflict resolution, and creating a shared, positive, and productive environment.
It also addresses a consistent concern presented by panelists at four (4) recent community forums held by the League of Women Voters of North Santa Barbara County. At each forum the community leaders expressed frustration that they did not have an audience at their meetings/planning forums. It was stated that often there was just one (1) person in attendance.
Yet, your February 3rd meeting heard public comment regarding the need for an ad hoc immigration task force for nearly ninety (90) minutes. Speakers reflected many community interests and their support for this task force was strong.
I trust you will create an Ad Hoc Immigration Task force with a broad scope, flexibility and that works jointly with you, our locally elected officials, to help our community meet the challenges and opportunities involved in the immigration issues.
joyce ellen
joyce ellen lippman
Santa Maria Resident