Denver residents have been through a lot over the past few years.

We’ve watched businesses close, seen public safety become a growing concern and heard repeated promises that things are getting better. While there are signs of progress, many families still don’t feel the city is where it should be.

But the Denver City Council passed Bill 26-0328 anyway.

The Colorado Supreme Court’s People v. Camp decision said Denver must align certain municipal penalties with state law. Fair enough. But this bill goes much further. It reduces penalties for a wide range of municipal offenses beyond what the court requires. In other words, this is not simply a technical legal fix. It is a major policy change wrapped inside one.

The concern is simple: Why are we talking about reducing consequences for offenders when so many people are still worried about crime, public disorder and repeat offenders cycling through the system?

As a mom, business owner and Denver resident, I spend a great deal of time talking with neighbors across our city. Regardless of political party, people want the same basic things. They want to feel safe walking downtown. They want their kids to play in parks without concern. They want businesses to succeed. And they want a justice system that is both fair and accountable.

Public safety is not an abstract policy debate for many Denver families. Two years ago, an individual threatened to kill my then 11-year-old son at a school park in our neighborhood. According to police, this person had a lengthy history of prior arrests and law enforcement contacts. Thankfully, no one was physically harmed, but the experience reinforced something many parents already know: public safety isn’t about politics. It’s about whether our children can safely enjoy the parks and neighborhoods we call home.

Most people understand that accountability is not punishment for punishment’s sake. It is one of the foundations of public trust. When consequences disappear, confidence in the system disappears with them.

Just as concerning is the process behind this bill.

The proposal creates a working group that will help shape future criminal justice policy, yet many of the people most affected by crime including victims, neighborhood leaders, residents and small-business owners are not guaranteed representation. Major changes to public safety policy should include broad public input, not a process that leaves many voices on the sidelines.

This debate ultimately comes down to a basic question: What message do we want to send?

Do we want to tell residents that Denver is serious about safe neighborhoods, thriving businesses and accountability? Or do we want to tell them that reducing penalties is a higher priority?

The Council has cast its vote. Now comes the harder work of rebuilding and maintaining public confidence. Denver residents will be watching. Not only what this law says, but how it is implemented.

Public safety, accountability and transparency are not competing values. Denver deserves all three.

Carey Marin is a Denver business owner, mother of four and candidate for Colorado House District 2.