A Statement from the Board of Supervisors

We have watched the events of the past week with great anger, sadness, and frustration. We have seen the massive protests in Philadelphia, New York, and virtually every major city across the country which we recognize as an attempt by aggrieved communities to be heard in response to the continuing incidences of police brutality. We are angry, because the brutal killing of George Floyd is just the latest in a series of egregious assaults on black communities, and this continuum of racially motivated killing of innocent black men and women must stop. And our sadness and frustration derive from the seeming inability of our nation to come to grips with the structural problems that underlie all of this, despite repeated, painful reminders. While we condemn the protests that have resorted to violence, we will continue to lend our overwhelming support to the peaceful protests across the country.

As a nation we must find an answer to the ongoing cycle of racially-directed police behavior. We believe that the great majority of police officers in this country are dedicated to public safety and well-intentioned in their actions to protect it. However, the many abominable incidents that have occurred in recent years have long-since overrun the traditional idea that these are isolated events.

The Solebury Township Board of Supervisors recognizes that the underlying root cause of the cycle of violent police action and resultant street violence is structural and societal, and we join with many other Americans in calling for a re-examination of the criminal justice system in the United States and the role that state and local governments can play in helping police in its onerous and important task. Our police chief released a statement yesterday that expressed his personal outrage at the Floyd tragedy and outlined the training, experience and special recognition of the officers of our police department.

We as a Board intend to do what we can at our local level to undertake and press for action, and we continue to stand with all those who seek just and fair treatment for all.