Letter writer calls out Supervisor Arroyo's remarks about HCSO agenda item at yesterday's meeting

 

I don't have a letter to editor section. I am making an exception and including this in a post.

This letter addressed to Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo was sent to me as well as other local media outlets at 1:27 p.m. The letter writer requested anonymity.

"Supervisor Arroyo,

I am writing to express my concern and disappointment regarding your comments at yesterday’s Board of Supervisors meeting during discussion of Agenda Item 26-434, Consider the Establishment of an Independent Civilian-Led Oversight System for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

While I respect that differing viewpoints are part of a healthy discussion, the tone and delivery of several of your remarks were off-putting. Your statement that you were “…surprised it isn’t more embraced,” accompanied by laughter and flippant behavior throughout your statements, came across as dismissive of the perspectives and concerns shared by members of our department.  Please be reminded that you also said, “Some of you may disagree with me and that’s fine—that’s the beauty of democracy.” That principle is important, and it is one that applies to all of us, yourself included, when you feel we aren’t “embracing” this item.

Additionally, your comment that the presence of law enforcement in the chambers felt “intimidating” was concerning to many of us. The men and women you referenced—whether in uniform or business attire as both were present, were present to engage in the process, just as any other group would be. We have attended these meetings to represent our profession and to remain informed and involved in decisions that directly affect our work and the community.  I have yet to hear you be intimidated by any other group that has represented their office or organization.

While I can only assume the “intimidation” came from the six employees in uniform, please let me remind you of the significance of that uniform.  The uniform represents individuals who face difficult and often dangerous situations every day in the course of their duties. These are professionals who routinely encounter circumstances most people will never experience in their lifetime yet continue to serve with commitment and professionalism. Beyond their roles in law enforcement, they are also parents, spouses, coaches, volunteers, and active members of this community. When they take that uniform off, they go home to their families. They are the parents helping with homework after long shifts, the spouses holding their households together, the coaches on the field, and the volunteers showing up for their communities. They carry what they see and experience into those roles, often quietly, and continue to give of themselves.  I’m sorry that the “intimidation” didn’t allow you to see how genuine these humans are.

It was also discouraging to hear their presence characterized in a way that suggests unease or apprehension, when we have all consistently demonstrated respect for this process, even while listening to criticism and, at times, mischaracterizations of our work.

Supervisor Bushnell expressed that she is “…saddened that this has created a division in our community.” That concern is one we can all share. However, the words chosen by those in leadership, yourself included, and the way in which they are delivered, carry weight and can either help bridge that divide or deepen it.

We remain committed to serving this community with professionalism and integrity, and I ask that those entrusted with leadership approach these discussions with the same level of respect.

This letter was initially signed. However, out of fear of retaliation, I have removed my name. What an unfortunate world we live in."