We Haven't Given Up (Just Changing Our Direction)
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who supported us at the appeal hearing last Tuesday, April 18th. A special thank you to Supervisors Engardio & Stefani who were the only supervisors to vote in favor of our appeal. We knew our chances to win the appeal were slim, based on how the supervisors have voted in the past on dispensaries facing similar opposition from the public. For example, according to this editorial by Portia Lee in Wind Newspaper,
Public hearings typically provide the public an opportunity to offer their thoughts on a policy matter or a specific proposal that is before the agency for decision. The role of governing body members is to hear and consider those views when making a decision. -- Institute for Local Government
Cannabis is big business in both San Francisco and the State of California, therefore cannabis companies hire lobbyists and donate money to politicians to pass laws that favor them, not the community. This is how our dysfunctional system "works," and so inevitably fails to live up to the vision and ideals defined above by the Institute for Local Government.
In addition, we confirmed with multiple sources, both inside and outside City Hall, that if the Board of Supervisors denies a permit to any legal dispensary ("legal" as defined by city planning, but we all know how they operate), regardless of the consequences and implications for the community where the dispensary is located, then the city of San Francisco could be sued by the dispensary owner. That's why our elected officials refuse to listen to us and why we never stood a chance at the appeal.
This overall lack of respect for the people's voice has really undermined our democratic process and harmed elections, as fewer and fewer people are actually eager to vote. They are convinced politicians only want their vote, and do not care to hear their voice when it matters most. And so we become numb and indifferent. However, this can be remedied by simply involving the public and valuing its opinion. Here is an example for how to include the public in the budgeting process. Transparency and trust are key.
Having said that, 2024 is an election year and so it will be our turn to make changes in the Board of Supervisors, and elect candidates who are more closely aligned with the needs and will of the people and not big business. But let's not wait until next year to make our voices heard. Instead, we can start now by attending local neighborhood meetings, where our supervisors will be presenting themselves and seeking our support for re-election. For example, at the West of Twin Peaks Central Council (WTPCC) meeting tomorrow, 4/24, Supervisor Connie Chan will be there. Click here for a complete meeting agenda. This is a hybrid meeting so you can attend in-person or online. The details are in the agenda.
If you hear of other neighborhood meetings where our supervisors will be present, please email us at the address below and we will inform the community via our blog.
Thank you always for your support.
Thank you!
謝謝!
Email us 给我们发邮件: fopswp@gmail.com
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