I appreciate that V Fixmer-Oraiz is being open about their opposition to the proposed 120-bed jail (not 240, as often cited). If you are going to oppose a project, do it honestly and directly. I have tremendous respect for V as a community leader and influential thinker. However, I strongly disagree with this approach to local governance.
The responsibility of a councilor or supervisor is not only to articulate values; it is to collaboratively develop workable public policy capable of earning both board consensus and voter trust. Leadership means moving difficult projects toward viable solutions. Supervisors oversee, above all else, the operational functionality of government. Ensuring the functionality of public safety infrastructure is an essential part of that role.
I also think it is important to remember that these conversations did not begin yesterday. Discussions around a new jail have been ongoing for roughly two and a half years and have included broad stakeholder engagement, including formerly incarcerated individuals, community advocates, law enforcement, county officials, and Supervisor Fixmer-Oraiz themself…