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Speakers split over public safety spending as committee readies vote on public-safety sales tax
Summary
Public commenters and advocates used the hearing to press two competing frames: some urged divestment from surveillance and more investment in community-led services; at least one commenter accused prior budget choices of enabling crime and called for more aggressive shelter siting. Chair Strauss said the committee will vote on the public-safety sales-tax proposal the next day.
Public testimony at the Oct. 7 Select Budget Committee hearing reflected sharp disagreement over the city's approach to public safety and community investment.
Several faith leaders, nonprofit directors and service providers urged the council to "divest from surveillance and punitive systems and invest in community led housing,"…
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