We, the undersigned citizens of Westmont, Illinois, are concerned about the impact recent events throughout the nation will have on our community life. While the nation has been understandably angered by the tragic and unnecessary death of George Floyd, overreactions are exacerbating the situation. DuPage County has already suffered from the rioting and looting that took place in the name of "protesting" George Floyd's death. But now, the overreactions have become truly dangerous, by moving to the point of defunding the police.

Concerned that the decision of the Minneapolis City Council to defund police will become the norm, we hereby express our disapproval of such a measure. As such, we ask that the Village adopt a binding resolution stating the following:

RECOGNIZING THAT protection of the health and safety of the citizens of the Village of Westmont and the protection of their property are among the highest priorities of the Village; and

RECOGNIZING THAT the citizens of the Village are concerned that recent events will lead the Village to diminish the protections it has in place, including the provision of police services; and

RECOGNIZING THAT services such as the police department are funded by taxes paid by the citizens and businesses of Westmont, and as such the citizens and businesses have the right to expect those services to continue:

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED:

1. THAT the Village of Westmont will continue to provide adequate protections to the citizens and businesses of Westmont by maintaining a properly-staffed police department in the Village; and

2. THAT the Village of Westmont stands by all of its emergency services, including its Police Department.

3. THAT the Village commits that it will not undertake any plan to "defund" the Westmont Police Department, absent a vote by 80% of the voting eligible citizens of Westmont to that effect.

4. THAT the Village will issue a press release regarding adoption of the binding resolution and formally announce its support for its Police Department.