Nelson testimony: communication concerns with Councilmember Areola's office

I would like to say something before Anthony come on.

I don't believe you guys have this copy, but.

I do believe in positive.

I do believe in working together as a community.

But what I don't appreciate is lack of communication and poor communication or no communication or just disregarding someone.

I know personally, I bring this to the table September 22nd of last year.

Like I said, I don't do this for myself.

I do this with all my heart.

And I work closely with these communities.

Once I learned that the resolution was being worked on, I made multiple requests to meet with Councilmember Areola's office, which I understood was handling the matter.

I did not receive a response to my emails, my phone calls, text messages.

I had made clear that I was available and willing to contribute.

I am here.

Please reach out to me.

When those requests went unanswered, I felt disregarded.

I understand that council offices have many demands, but acknowledging those requests and making space for a conversation would have mattered.

I brought this issue forward with a purpose to help ensure that White Star families could be heard and that their experiences would inform the work.

Being done.

A roundtable or meeting with White Star families would have been a meaningful opportunity to hear their concerns directly and understand their needs as a whole.

The families affected by this recognition deserves a voice in what comes next.

This is not about assigning blame.

Please understand, this is all about peace and love.

It is about communication, inclusion, and ensuring that the families connected to this work have an opportunity to be heard.

I remain grateful that the recognition for these families is moving forward, and I hope there can still be a meaningful engagement with the families affected by the resolution.