This public letter was contributed by the Hollister Police Officers Association. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. Lea este artÃculo en español aqui.
To the residents of Hollister,
Over the past several days, our community has demonstrated what makes Hollister such a special place. Neighbors stood alongside neighbors, city employees stood together, and residents made their voices heard in defense of the people and essential services that keep our city running.
On behalf of the Hollister Police Officers Association, we extend our sincere gratitude to the residents who spoke out, our brothers and sisters at SEIU who stood united with us, and the members of the City Council who listened and took meaningful steps toward changing the direction of our city.
For the first time in months, city employees have been able to breathe, return their attention to serving the public, and begin working collaboratively toward solutions.
But our work is not finished.
The financial challenges facing Hollister are real, and addressing them will require difficult decisions. However, those decisions must be based on accurate financial information, responsible planning, and meaningful collaboration with the employees who understand how our city operates.
We are calling on the City Council to immediately rescind all outstanding layoff notices, commission a truly independent examination of the city’s finances, and pursue responsible alternatives to eliminating essential public services. Until we have a clear and trustworthy understanding of our financial position, permanent decisions affecting employees and public safety should not be made.
We also believe this moment presents an opportunity to restore something that has been badly damaged: trust. Our community deserves a city government that operates with transparency, accountability, professionalism, and respect for the people it serves.
This is not about avoiding difficult decisions or denying our financial reality. It is about making those decisions thoughtfully, fairly, and with the best interests of Hollister at heart.
To our residents: Your voices made a difference. You reminded everyone that local government belongs to the people, and that when a community stands together, meaningful change is possible.
We ask you to remain engaged, continue attending council meetings, and hold your elected representatives accountable as we navigate the challenges ahead.
The men and women of the Hollister Police Officers Association are proud to serve this community. We remain committed to working alongside our fellow city employees, elected leaders, and residents to build a stronger, more stable future.
Thank you, Hollister. We stood together when it mattered most. Now, let’s move forward together.
Bo Leland
President
Hollister Police Officers Association
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