Media Advisory: June 3, 2011
Contact: Jerry Jimenez – (408) 219-9636
WHAT: The Hollister City Council will decide on contracting out 911 emergency calls to Santa Cruz County. The city now shares the cost of 911 services with San Benito County. Both the city and San Benito County are aiming to contract out these services to Santa Cruz County.
WHO: 911 dispatchers and community members will stage a rally and then speak to the City Council about the potential dangers of contracting out these vital services.
WHEN: Monday, June 6
Rally starts at 5 p.m.
Council meeting 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Rally at corner of 4th and San Benito streets
Hollister City Council meeting at 375 Fifth St.
ISSUES:
- Safety risks: When every second counts, leaving life-and-death decisions to an agency 40 miles away presents serious safety risks.
- No blank check: The “No Cap” contract sets no limits on what Santa Cruz County can eventually charge the city.
- No independent study: Without competitive bidding, Santa Cruz County itself conducted a study that proposes it take 911 services from San Benito County.
- Hurts local jobs: With a 20% unemployment rate, San Benito County and Hollister businesses need more local services, jobs, and revenue. Not less.
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The Service Employees International Union is an organization of 2.1 million members united by the belief in the dignity and worth of workers and the services they provide. SEIU is dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families and creating a more just and humane society.
For more information, visit www.seiu521.org
