Dear Board of Aldermen,
Hello, my name is Luke Guertler, and | ama concerned citizen of the 7 ward here in Nashua, NH. |
am emailing you to speak about a few issues that i would like to see brought up at the coming
meeting on June 9", 2020.
Body Cameras fer Nashua Police: Accountability far our police department should be at the
forefront of our priorities. Upon speaking with one of our police commissioners, Matt
Plante, | was encouraged to learn that the City of Nashua has a longstanding record of good
policing, or rather good servanthcod. And while that is the case, the implementation of
body cameras would make our officers’ actions a part of the public record. And by doing so
would help eliminate the us vs. them mentality that only ever produces unnecessary conflict
resulting in the harm of an officer or citizen.
Evidence Based De-Escalation Training for Nashua Police: In my conversation with
Commissioner Plante, he stated that Nashua has a rigorous training process that takes only
one to two percent of its applicants. He also mentioned how our department is CALEA
certified which is a step in the right direction. Upon perusing the NPD website however |
could not find any details about the de-escalation training itself. Having that as a resource
on the NPD website would also allow for the public to be brought in on the conversation,
and add to the necessary idea of accountability.
Changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Nashua is a beautiful city full of
amazing culture, however many cultures existed long before the settlement of our
forefathers. The Pennacook, Wabanaki and Abenaki people were in Nashua proper long
before us, and their history along with their culture has long been forgotten. Changing the
title of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day would help foster a new approach to how
we look at history; allowing us to learn from our mistakes versus justify them.
Divesting from Banks that Fund the Dakota Pipeline along with Private Prisons and
Detention Centers: Efforts like that of the Dakota Pipeline are wreaking havoc on not only
our country, but the planet as a whole. Along with this, public prisons and detention centers
are responsible for a large number of products that we Americans consume. The problem
with prison labor is that it is fueled by a harsh sentencing standard, especially towards
people of color. And until we can change how we sentence our citizens ona state and
federal level, we must take it upon ourselves to find other ways to put a halt to this
exploitation of the Earth and its citizens. | propose that the City of Nashua take steps in the
right direction by divesting their interests from banks that directly fund these seedy
dealings.
| look forward to seeing these issues discussed at the oncoming Board of Aldermen meetings. |
would also like to thank my representative June Caron for taking the time to walk me through your
process and showing me how | can contribute as a citizen to this great city.
With Love, Luke Guertler
2 Morse Strest, Nashua, NH O3060
