No. 4: “Defund the Police?” No, augment
After the police killing of George Floyd whipped up social justice sentiments nationwide, including the mislabeled Defund the Police movement, the wheels began turning in George Borzyskowski’s mind. As president of the Winona City Council, Borzyskowski recognize that police too often were called to deal with situations beyond their competence – like people acting out a mental health crisis. He proposed adding two mental health jobs in the police department to respond to things like non-violent domestic calls. Borzyskowski called it an “alternative response team.” The Council voted 6-1 to do it. Winona’s stride in the social justice movement was not without cost: a 4.8% tax levy.
Borzyskowski. He saw a false choice.
