Sponsor the resolution recommended by the Equal Opportunities Commission!
I sent this email to the mayor and the council.
I was not present at the last Equal Opportunities Commission meeting, but it is my understanding that the commission passed the following statement, intending to have it be a resolution, but Alder Weier refused to sponsor. My understanding of an alder’s role on a committee is that they would bring forward resolutions by that committee unless they felt strongly opposed. In those cases they would seek out other sponsors on the committee’s behalf or seek the council president’s or mayor’s sponsorship on behalf of the committee. I am very disappointed this has not happened and I am hoping that one or more of you would agree to take this up on behalf of the commission. I believe, regardless of how you choose to vote on this, that issues raised by a committee of volunteer residents of our city deserves a hearing before the elected body, I hope you do too.
Statement of Principles:
We believe that the rights, privacy and property of people who are homeless should be adequately safeguarded under the policies of the City of Madison. We believe each person who is homeless should have a right to:
Access the basic requirements necessary for sustaining life, including shelter, sanitation medical care, clothing and food;
Move freely in public spaces, in the same manner as other persons, without harassment or intimidation from law enforcement officers;
Have equal opportunities for employment;
Exercise full citizenship and civil involvement, including registering to vote and voting;
Have personal information protected;
Have a reasonable expectation of security and privacy in his or her personal property; and receive equal treatment by state, county and municipal agencies.
