Dear Council and CEOC members;
I am tendering my resignation as Vice-Chair of the Menlo Park Housing Element Community Engagement and Outreach Committee. I have decided to resign due to the process by which the members were recruited (unethical and not based on any protocol set), the extreme lack of transparency, and handcuffing of its operation by the City. The committee is not being taken seriously, and that has become gravely apparent by various acts that I can provide great detail with upon request.
As a woman from an underrepresented community greatly impacted by redlining, racism and inequity, homeownership is important to me and all of those that identify with my family's struggle with both homeownership and renting on the Peninsula. We feel our voice is often silenced and overlooked. Being a member of the committee made me feel more invisible and disregarded. That said, the City still has the potential to right many of the wrongs if it has the political will.
By resigning from this committee, I will be a part of the solution and that gives me great hope. Our council needs a wake-up call, and a kick start in visualizing a more fair and equitable Menlo.
Regards,
Nehezi Ollarvia
