Race Has No Place In This Political Race

A great city is built on strong leadership, vision, and service—not race. We need to focus on who has the best ideas, the right experience, and a true commitment to our community. Regardless of background, we all want safe neighborhoods, good jobs, and a thriving city. Leadership should be about bringing people together to solve problems, not dividing us by race.  Our community is diverse, in many areas, including race, age, education, and gender, and that’s a strength. When it comes to leadership, what truly matters is character, vision, and service—not race.  History has shown that strong leadership comes from all backgrounds. What matters is who can bring people together and make real change happen.  Our focus should be on what a leader can do for the people; what they have done for the people—not race. Let’s have open conversations about progress and solutions, rather than divisions. 

Last night we had a regular council meeting.  After the meeting I was told by an individual running for city council, in the 3rd Ward, that I was "letting the white people run the city", that "Normandy was black" I assured this individual that I do not "go along to get along" and that I value the hard working people at city hall as well as their expertise and knowledge.  I allow people to do their job regardless of race or gender.  People are hired and assigned jobs according to skills, experience, education, and certifications.  I look to experts to give clarification on key city issues.  I ask questions of these experts as they pull from their qualifications and years or experience and then I think for myself and ask more questions.  

This rhetoric is the reason Normandy has lost so much money to discrimination lawsuits.  We have had city council members, who are required to be covered under our insurance carrier, engage in hiring and firing of individuals based on color.  You don't have to go too far back in years to remember these lawsuits that cost citizens money and hires that were foul in nature. 

It's time to move forward from this white/black; us vs. them narrative.  We are all one Normandy.  I want your vote because you believe in my work ethic, you have seen my commitment to Normandy, because you believe  I am here for the right reason; to move Normandy Forward.