TIF Comission on Equity Dennis Cummins

Dear Pierce County, On Tuesday 9/26 of this upcoming week, the Pierce County Council Chairman Ryan Mello, a progressive Democrat and LGBTQIA+ activist, has scheduled a vote on Ordinance 2023-36 (https://online.co.pierce.wa.us/cfapps...) proposing the permanent establishment of the "Commission on Equity”, a measure that seeks to fundamentally transform the foundations of Pierce County Government. While the stated objectives of this ordinance may appear commendable on the surface, a closer examination reveals underlying concerns that threaten core principles upon which America was founded. Ideological Agenda: Similar initiatives across the country have demonstrated a tendency to conceal radical ideological agendas behind the façade of equity. The promise of fairness often devolves into divisive and harmful policies, with the potential for the propagation of divisive ideologies such as Critical Race Theory. Threat to Duly Elected Representative Government: Of particular concern is the potential for the Commission on Equity to become a politically charged gatekeeper stacked with activists. This unelected body could exert undue influence over Pierce County's decisions, effectively sidelining the voice of the people and undermining our democratic process. Free Speech and Individual Liberties: We must also consider the potential impact on free speech and individual liberties. When government bodies are entrusted with imposing ever-changing speech and behavior codes, they risk stifling open discourse and infringing upon our fundamental right to express our beliefs freely. Preservation of Our Principles: The supporters of Ordinance 2023-36 (https://online.co.pierce.wa.us/cfapps...) present it as a partial solution to historical injustices. Still, we must remain vigilant and consider the broader implications. This measure threatens to replace the foundational principles of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" with a bureaucratic focus on "diversity, equity, and inclusion." Financial Impact: Ordinance 2023-36 presents a significant financial burden for our county. The fiscal note projects an expenditure of $356,520 in 2024 alone, with the expectation that this cost will continue to rise in subsequent years. As responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, we must question whether this represents the best allocation of our resources, especially when there are pressing needs demanding attention. URGENT: CONTACT YOUR COUNTY COUNCILMEMBER PRIOR TO THE 3:00PM TUESDAY 9/26 COUNCILMEETING - AND TELL THEM TO VOTE NO ON ORDINANCE 2023-36! PLEASE CONSIDER ATTENDING THE MEETING IN PERSON OR VIA ZOOM 3:00PM TUESDAY 9/26. LINK HERE TO ZOOM IN AND PLEASE CONSIDER TESTIFYING IN OPPOSITION: Join the Council meeting via Zoom. (https://piercecountywa.zoom.us/j/9766...) Dave Morell (https://www.piercecountywa.gov/district1) District 1: Bonney Lake, Buckley, Carbonado, Crystal Mountain, Graham, Greenwater, Lake Tapps, Orting, South Hill, South Prairie, Southeast Auburn, Wilkeson, unincorporated East Pierce County. [e-mail] (mailto:[e-mail]) [phone] Paul Herrera (.css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}