Statement From Ames Mayor John Haila

Press release from the City of Ames:

May 30, 2020

The senseless and horrible killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis earlier this week is repulsive and extremely disturbing. The actions of the police officers were inhumane, and those responsible must be held accountable for their actions. As we struggle to protect the lives of citizens from the harmful effects of COVID-19, we should all feel collectively ashamed at this reckless disregard for human life. We are deeply grieved by what transpired. Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to his family and the entire Black community.

The City of Ames remains resolutely committed to maintaining and strengthening our inclusive and welcoming city. We are not a perfect community, but we are actively engaged in trying to become a better one. Hosting the Ames Community Institute, appointing and empowering a diverse City of Ames Human Relations Commission, co-hosting the annual Symposium for Building Inclusive Workplaces, participating in NAACP sponsored events, and recently installing the Inclusive Crosswalk in our Downtown are tangible examples of our commitment and resolve to building and maintaining a welcoming Ames. We will not stop trying to be better.

In the very near future, the City of Ames will be releasing the results of the self-initiated Ames Police Department Traffic Stop analysis. We took the initiative to look at how we were doing in relationship to policing and race. We look forward to sharing the results with the community and engaging in a dialogue on ways to improve.

Sincerely,

John A. Haila, Mayor
Ames, Iowa

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.