The Broward-based “Black Lives Matter Alliance” wants Fort Lauderdale voters to “defund the police” by at least $100 million dollars. Stating it is “autonomous” from the National Black Lives Matter group, this local alliance is made up of far-left groups such as the Broward Democratic Socialists of America and the Broward Dream Defenders. Yesterday, REDBROWARD revealed the alliance’s demand for funding from Broward County, the City of Hallandale Beach and the City of Fort Lauderdale. The alliance wants Mayor Dean Trantalis and his fellow commissioners to “divest” $10 million dollars from the Fort Lauderdale Police budget.
But the demand does not stop there.
In a fundraising plea on its website, the Black Lives Matter Alliance Broward wants $100 million dollars from the City of Fort Lauderdale.
On May 31, a protest planned in Lauderhill was cancelled after city leaders failed to recruit sufficient police support for a large gathering. With less than two hours notice, the protest was moved to Bubier Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale. According to the Black Lives Matter Alliance, “After our action ended, protesters were making their way home when police escalated violence. The Ft. Lauderdale Police Department shoved one black woman on the ground and shot another one in the head with a rubber bullet.” The actions of the police were condemned by Mayor Dean Trantalis.
In retaliation, Black Lives Matter Alliance posted a series of demands.
“We are calling on the Ft. Lauderdale City Commission to become visionary leaders and defund the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department and invest in community-based solutions to keep black, indigenous and communities of color safe,” the alliance wrote.
These demands include:
- To never again vote to increase police funding or to increase the police department’s budget.
- To protect and expand current investment in community led-health strategies (such as investing in doula care, restorative justice, and an additional stimulus to Ft. Lauderdale residents).
- To propose and send to municipal vote for a $100 million reallocation of money that was allocated from the General Obligation Bond for Public Safety in March of 2019 for a new Police Headquarter replacement project and instead invest those resources in community-led and identified measures. This cut is a response to safety shortfalls and failures.
- To propose and vote on Tuesday, June 16th on an immediate 10% cut to the 102 million police department budget.
What will Mayor Dean Trantalis do?
Will he back the Fort Lauderdale Police?
Or, will Mayor Dean Trantalis side with Broward socialists by chopping $100 million from the police budget?
REDBROWARD 