Speaking Out to Affirm BLM, Support WPD & Community Policing

Today we are all called upon to speak out in unison against injustice and racism whenever and wherever it exists in our nation, our state and our communities. We share the grief of families broken by the loss of loved ones due to unacceptable police violence across the country.
Here in Waltham, citizens have expressed their deep concerns in peaceful demonstration and solidarity with the black and broader minority community here and nationwide.
We reject all violence and destruction as they are wrong and do nothing to help us resolve the problems we are determined to address. Waltham Police Chief Keith MacPherson has communicated with all local residents to make us aware of the many steps his department has taken for years to train respectful and professional officers. We are grateful for his continued vigilance and for his officers’ dedication to their oath to protect and serve all citizens equally. We expect no less.

We recognize that our police officers are on the front line of community protection and often place themselves in danger to protect all citizens. And, we also appreciate the important role they are playing in community policing and being part of crime prevention programs in our schools and neighborhoods. I have witnessed this firsthand many times. Earlier this year Rep. Lawn and I met with the police and several dozen women from our Latina community to hear their safety concerns. Our police officers listened and helped come up with workable solutions to protect them. The officers continue to reach out to make positive connections citywide. I support those efforts.

Building trust and mutual understanding between police and citizens of every age and background is critical to maintaining a safe and peaceful community. Cutting funding to our police department as some suggest is not wise at a time when a well-trained and community engaged department is so important.

The cause to end racism belongs to all of us because injustice to one is injustice to all and cannot be tolerated in a true democracy. Action must replace words. We must recognize that systemic racism has roots that spread in many directions: in education, in housing, in business and employment, and in our community. We must now reflect on how we can do better. We must listen harder and learn from those who have suffered to find respect and common ground. It’s time to bring people, all people, together to achieve positive changes in our society to erase all aspects of racism, to create economic equality, and to guarantee justice for all. It begins at the local level. It begins with all of us united and determined in common purpose. Now is the time.