Boulder Renters Under 40 Don't Be Silenced

It's not about the word fuck. It's about the fact that people under 40, 65% of Boulder's population, only have 17% representation in public meetings. It's about the fact that renters, 52% of Boulder's population, only have 24% representation in public meetings. Those who are calling for Becky Boone's termination don't like the fact that she's encouraging the silent majority to get informed and act on conclusions that they draw on their own. Don't let that happen.

On my doorstep this morning the Daily Camera read "Profane speech causes stir" on its front page, with the web version linking to a post I wrote, a post Andrew Hyde wrote, and a post Zane Selvans wrote. Andrew, Zane, and I all use the word fuck to make the point that it's just a word added for emphasis. With that point made, it's time to refocus on the real issue: ensuring that the silent majority isn't bullied into staying silent.

The Daily Camera article, written by Erica Meltzer, adds some important context that Andrew, Zane, and I didn't address directly in our posts. There's a long standing debate around housing, density, and growth in Boulder that's only going to heat up as we approach the local elections in November. Five of the nine City Council seats will be determined. Two key growth related ballot initiatives will be voted upon. Those who have called for Becky's head are afraid that broader voter turnout will put their agendas in jeopardy.

You'll notice that Becky didn't ask her audience to take a position on the growth debate. Andrew, Zane, and I didn't either. Even today I haven't specified the root agenda that's behind all this because it's not important to me which side you take. What's important to me is that public representation doesn't remain as skewed as the data reveals just because somebody wants it that way.

Want to let the #BoulderCouncil know how you feel about something in #Boulder? The best way to do so is to email Council@BoulderColorado.gov

— City of Boulder (@bouldercolorado) May 23, 2015

There are three tried and true ways to be represented before you get a chance to vote in November:

1. Email City Council
2. Show up at City Council meetings
3. Write to the Daily Camera

These actions aren't a fun way to spend your free time but don't let somebody else make decisions that you have to live with all of the time. The most critical issues aren't determined by retweets or Likes. Use them, but make sure that the real work is done by showing up where the issues are being decided: City Council via email, meetings, and the Daily Camera.

City of Boulder: I Want My Fucking Voice Heard

I'm guilty of apathy. I'm an active community member is some regards but have stayed on the sidelines for things I consider political. Today I'm writing my first letter to Boulder City Council because I want my fucking voice heard. Others in the community have asked for the city to terminate a project with Code for America designed to increase civic engagement based on an Ignite Boulder talk given by Becky Boone, a Code for America senior fellow.

The premise of Becky's presentation is that the majority of Boulder's residents are vastly underrepresented in local governance. That local elections and participation in the political process are the most effective ways to create change. That those who don't agree with conversations that are happening without them should do something about it. She presents data from the work she's done with the city to support that premise. It seems to me that the message is clear: you should care about your local government.

Sadly, there are fellow community members who have written City Council asking for Becky's immediate termination on the grounds that Becky's presentation was unprofessional and biased. From my point of view she presents important facts underscored with the use of the word fuck. Anybody who has seen me in a professional environment knows I say things underscored with the use of the word fuck quite often. Fuck's just a word folks.

When it really comes down to it calling for Becky's termination is a thinly veiled bullying of a community member who is encouraging other community members to participate in local government. Those who are behind this know that their agenda is threatened if the silent majority speaks up. Fuck that.

Below is what I've written to Boulder's City Council members (council@bouldercolorado.gov) and Jane Brautigam, City Manager (brautigamj@bouldercolorado.gov). Writing City Council is the most effective way that you can make a difference right now - feel free to copy and/or edit for your own use. 

Mayor Appelbaum, Mayor Pro Tem Jones, Councilman Karakehian, Councilwoman Morzel, Councilman Plass, Councilman Cowles, Councilwoman Young, Councilman Shoemaker, Councilman Weaver -

I'm writing to you this afternoon to ask for Becky Boone's immediate reinstatement so that she, the City of Boulder, and Code for America may continue to do the incredibly important work of increasing your constituency's engagement in the political process.

Calling for Ms. Boone's termination is a thinly veiled bullying of a community member who is encouraging other community members to participate in local government. She spoke on her own time, presented important facts, and used the word fuck to underscore her point (a word I use to underscore my point in a professional setting quite regularly).

Please protect the political process and your constituents by immediately reinstating Ms. Boone.

Respectfully,

Bing Chou
Downtown Boulder, Inc. board member