Page 25 - August 2020 Courier.pub

Message from the Mayor:

Forging a stronger path forward

portant to note that compliance with state guid- City councilmembers will be elected by dis-
ance is a condition of state funding and reim- trict, instead of at large, for the first time. Rose-
bursement to local governments, as well as a ville has five districts, three of which (1, 3, 5)
way to mitigate the spread that will allow more are up for election this November. The other
sectors of our economy to operate. We’ll con- two (2, 4) are up for election in 2022. Inter-
tinue to work with our community to ensure we ested candidates can contact the City Clerk’s
operate as functionally and safely as we can in office at 916-774-5200 for information and
from Roseville Mayor John B. Allard, II - 7/21/20 this difficult, disruptive, and challenging time. deadlines.

For all the emergency and crisis scenarios the A welcoming community This year’s ballot will contain several amend-
City plans and prepares for, a pandemic is like- Social unrest in the wake of George Floyd’s ments to the City’s charter, which is essentially
ly the least predictable crisis we face as a com- death has compounded people’s anxiety and our City’s constitution. A panel of residents
munity. How long it lasts and how deeply its frustration. In Roseville, we’ve received a formally reviews the charter every 10 years.
effects will be felt remain to be seen. We look much higher level of interest in our police poli- The City Council appoints these volunteers to
forward to the point where we move from an cies along with continued strong support and serve on the Charter Review Commission,
active mode to the recovery phase. As we re- appreciation for the dedication of our staff at which met over the span of a year to get public
cover, we’ll integrate what we’ve learned to the Roseville Police Department. input and to examine and discuss various
forge a new, stronger and better path forward. amendments.
The RPD worked intensely to ensure that peo-
Meanwhile with the recent rise in infection ple could demonstrate and safely exercise their I want to thank the nine residents who served
rates in Placer County and throughout Califor- constitutionally protected rights. I deeply ap- on the commission and the members of the
nia, we continue to deal with unpredictability. preciate our officers’ professionalism, which is public who provided input. This fall, voters
This increase influences other metrics that even more visible during times like this. will decide on charter-related measures includ-
cause us to exceed monitoring levels. Last ing spending authority, redistricting commis-
Demonstrations were peaceful. Though emo-
week, indoor operations of businesses includ- sion, selection of a mayor, water supply, and
ing hair salons and barbershops, indoor malls, tions can run high, I want to commend our resi- some “cleanup” language to bring the charter
and gyms and fitness centers were closed until dents for the respectful behavior shown by into compliance with existing laws and practic-
further notice, along with places of worship. nearly everyone expressing their voices. es.

As residents engaged in social media cam-
As health concerns result in tighter restrictions,
paigns about police policies, the RPD commu- In closing
the fallout on our economy, education system,
nicated its policy alignment through direct re- The feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and frus-
and community continue.
sponses, videos, and website articles. Last tration in our community are widespread.
Realizing our control lies in our response, the Wednesday, the City Council voted to add Questions remain about schooling, job security,
City of Roseville has been working extensively funding for body-worn cameras to the City’s the economy, social interactions, and how long
to create an environment that fosters as much federal and state legislative platform. Con- it will be before we can resume life’s activities
success under these circumstances as possible. sistent policy and funding throughout our state in the absence of a pandemic.
We opened up a supply chain to provide PPE and nation will ensure this important tool can It’s clear we’re facing more questions than an-
to businesses and nonprofits in Roseville, in- be effective for transparency. swers for longer than we’d like. What we al-
cluding distributing tens of thousands of ways have control over, though, are our actions
masks. We also have an opportunity to identify things
we need to do or change to make Roseville a and attitudes as individuals and how we treat
each other as a community. It’s helpful to re-
We’re expanding the ability of businesses to community that feels inclusive to everyone. mind ourselves that displays of aggression and
hold activities outdoors, including adjusting Our staff will be working with community impatience are within our control. And that
policies that allow for temporary street closures partners to develop the framework to raise kindness to ourselves and compassion to each
and outdoor operations where not previously awareness, take stock, listen and learn from
allowed. And we provided $1.5 million in no- each other. The timing is important while peo- other are values that will see us through this.
interest loans to Roseville small businesses at ple are focusing on this issue, recognizing that I look forward to the time when we begin re-
the start of April. It’s an indefinite situation, the challenges last beyond the headlines. building what we’ve lost and taking the best of
and being able to respond to the needs in our Fall Elections what we’ve learned to forge a thriving path for-
community is key. Voting is one of the pivotal ways people can ward.
engage in their government. This fall brings
Perspectives vary widely on what’s effective
several key differences from years past.
and what should be done. However, it’s im- August 2020 Page 25
First published on the City of Roseville website.