Coalition Statement:
January 18, 2021
This voter guide was produced and compiled on a volunteer basis by a group of Norman-based activists, to share information and resources with new voters and concerned residents.
We represent many different views, life experiences, and political priorities but we all agree that this historical moment represents a unique threat to democracy and to public safety, at both a national and local level. We resolutely condemn, without hesitation or exception:
- Hate speech in all its forms
- White supremacy, racism, anti-Semitism and anti-Native attacks on tribal sovereignty and Native peoples and cultures
- Vigilante violence, including the extralegal practices used in the past to maintain Norman as a Sundown Town, the identity-based hate crimes that have increased dramatically under the Trump presidential administration, and politically motivated violence and intimidation directed at elected officials, particularly at women and people of color
- Fascism, authoritarianism, and other ideologies that encourage violations of human rights and the suppression of democracy through systematic targeting of marginalized groups
Given the above, we believe that “Unite Norman” and their tactics and views represent a dangerous threat to local representative democracy in Norman. We are particularly concerned with the use of racist and anti-Semitic threats, dog-whistles, and discriminatory language that creates a hostile environment in public spaces for marginalized people. The harassment and vitriol directed at our elected officials and their family members, especially at women who hold public office, is of grave concern. Our City Council members are essentially volunteers, paid $100/month to do the formidable job of representing thousands of Norman residents. For our local democracy to work, they should be accountable and accessible to their constituents, but they should never be threatened with physical violence on the street or in City Council chambers, doxxed by city employees including police officers, or made to fear for their physical safety because of a controversial vote. Norman residents should not have to experience discrimination or identity-based harassment in order to participate in their local government.
We are working for:
*Candidates who are accountable to the people they represent, not monied special interests or “law-and-order” authoritarians who want to shut down all discussions of police reform.
*A local government that is accessible and accountable to as many residents as possible, with special efforts made to include marginalized and excluded groups such as the working class, Black, Indigenous, Disabled, and LGBTQ+ and Immigrant communities.
*A culture of meaningful democratic participation and deep investment in the well being of all our neighbors.
This list of questions was collaboratively produced by Norman community members and activists to reflect some of the most pressing issues in municipal government. All candidates running for office were contacted with a request to submit answers to the same eleven questions. Our voter guide will publish their exact statements, to allow the candidates to speak at length on their views, in their own words. Any candidate questionnaires submitted after the publication deadline will be published as soon as possible to make the information available to voters.
Signed,
Norman Activists
Norman Collective for Racial Justice
Norman Community Relief
Norman for All
Red Dirt Collective
SpeakUp Norman
We Are Norman