Black elected officials in Pinellas call for justice | Column
Thursday, June 4, 2020
This column was written by state Sen. Darryl Rouson, state Rep. Wengay “Newt” Newton, Pinellas County Commissioner Kenneth T. Welch, Pinellas County School Board Member Rene Flowers and St. Petersburg council members Lisa Wheeler Bowman and Deborah Figgs-Sanders. Note: The column refers to toe-tagging, a driving “game” so reckless that it can kill the driver.
As black elected officials representing the citizens of Pinellas county, we express our collective outrage at the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and join the call for justice for Mr. Floyd, and accountability for all officers involved in this heinous act.
We strongly support peaceful protests. Rioting and looting, however, is dangerous and dilutes the message of justice for Mr. Floyd. This destructive behavior appears to be fomented by a small group of agitators — some from outside our community — and it cannot be allowed to continue.
Here in Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg, local law enforcement leaders have rightfully denounced the conduct of the Minneapolis officers involved in Mr. Floyd’s death, and pledged that our local law enforcement standards of conduct expressly ban use of such tactics. No law enforcement agency is perfect; however, we value the progress that has been made, and the ongoing partnership with our local law enforcement agencies. We will continue to demand community-focused policing and high standards of professionalism from our law enforcement agencies.
Visit www.tampabay.com to read more.
Categories: History, Art & Culture Organizations