HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0184.019 1996-1998 Gay Leah Barfield, Ph.D.
P.O. Box 1299
Keaau, Hawaii 96749
Phone or FAX (808) 968-6139 • e-mail: okika@aloha. net
March 2, 1997 REtENEo
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Dear Cq~ncil Members and Mayor Yamashiro, County Council
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I am writing this letter in support of the continuance of the Domestic Violence Unit and
its Interagency Task Force, of which I am a volunteer participant.
It has been an honor and privilege to participate with this dedicated group of
interagency people and other volunteers who represent many segments of our
community. Their competence, creativity and deep concern is evident at every
meeting. I am sure the fruits of their labor is being felt in families throughout our
county and the State, witness the enormous turnout of 400 people at last year's
conference on domestic violence.
While I value the independent nature of the current group, working outside any
particular political influences, I understand that for it to continue it may well need to
become a part of government in some official way. With the appropriate oversight for
keeping its work non-oolitical and egalitarian and representative in the broadest sense,
support of the Domestic Violence Unit in the Council's budget would enable a smooth
flow and transition forward of this crucial work, when the grant period ends next year.
With the enormous cuts in social services today, the most needy and least powertul
among us will continue to struggle against mounting odds and stresses and pressures
that damage their families and their ability to contribute to the larger good. Therefore I
ask you to consider confirming this budget item, and to work diligently to ensure that
any such unit maintains its integrity and independence of operation as a group serving
all people in Hawaii county, whatever their political party, economic status, race and
culture or life style.
Thank you for an early resolution of this request.
Sincer ,
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Gay Leah~Barfield, Ph.D.
cc: Office of Prosecuting Attorney
DVIAT Committee / I
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