The Executive Committee of the El Paso County Democratic Party has conducted a meticulous evaluation of the forthcoming ballot question concerning partial funding for a new police training academy facility in Colorado Springs. Following rigorous scrutiny consistent with our party’s guiding principles, we have concluded that the initiative warrants unequivocal opposition.
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Prudence
The ballot initiative proposes allocating $4.75 million toward a project estimated by Mayor Yemi Mobolade’s office to cost up to $45 million. The lack of a comprehensive fiscal strategy for sourcing the remaining funds conflicts with our party’s steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparent governance. This concern is amplified by the mayor’s statement that this project will proceed regardless of the ballot measure’s outcome, further questioning the necessity of this particular funding avenue. For additional information, the City has shared details about Ballot Question 2A at the following links:
Community-Centric Allocation of Resources
Current statistics reveal a general decline in crime rates and indicate that a high percentage of arrests in the city are for non-violent offenses. Given these factors, we are committed to representing our members whose lived experience is first-person evidence that more pressing issues require immediate attention. These include challenges that disproportionately impact marginalized communities, such as the housing crisis, poverty, and additional social issues. Our focus is on addressing the root causes of crime and adopting a community-centered approach, aligning with our party’s core values of social justice and promoting community well-being.
Transparent Governance and Public Accountability
We advocate for enhanced transparency and public scrutiny in the consideration of significant fiscal expenditures. Our call for open dialogue and accountable governance is aligned with our core commitments to social justice, equality, and inclusive democracy. As the process to adopt the City’s 2024 budget draws near, we believe city leaders could more effectively serve our community by addressing this infrastructure request during that period in consultation with voters.
Alignment with Democratic Principles
Our reservations about this ballot question resonate with several key tenets of the Democratic Party:
- Economic Opportunity: We extend our advocacy to responsible fiscal stewardship and transparent governance.
- Social Justice: Our efforts concentrate on issues that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
- Equality and Justice: We insist on accountable governance and ending systemic inequities
- Inclusive Democracy: We demand public discourse and transparent decision-making processes.
In summary, the El Paso County Democratic Party strongly advises against approving this ballot question. Our opposition is rooted in principles that prioritize responsible governance, social justice, and the economic well-being of all citizens.
While we fully recognize the need for a well-trained police force, we anticipate that Mayor Mobolade will fulfill his campaign promises to engage with all sectors of our community and address their diverse needs. We remain steadfast in our commitment to community safety, equity, and inclusion, and reject any bad faith attempts to brand us as ‘anti-police’ or to misrepresent crime statistics for political gain. These tactics neither serve our community nor advance constructive dialogue about public safety.
We advocate for a comprehensive and equitable approach to community safety—one that entails addressing use of force issues comprehensively and implementing other specific actions to rebuild the trust that law enforcement has lost. We firmly believe that building this trust should precede any new facility construction. It is crucial to focus on the root issues affecting our community’s relationship with law enforcement, rather than pursuing a partially-funded capital project. Our position aligns with Mayor Mobolade’s public commitments to inclusive governance, and we eagerly await tangible actions that reflect those promises.
