Say his name. George Floyd.  Don't forget.

George did not die because there was one bad police officer on the force.

George did not die because there were just a couple more reforms to pass.

George died because the system America created to maintain slavery - once slavery was abolished - is the modern police-system. Like so many others, George died because we do not provide community safety in a way that is equitable, especially for people of color.

I understand that as a privileged white male, my safety comes from a system meant to protect me and my possessions. I can pass for being a harmless, trustworthy person.  I can be given the benefit of the doubt.  Because that is not true for my neighbors of color, I am not able to support that system.

I do recognize the need for a wide range of skilled and trained people to provide for our community safety.  I do know that we have a long way to go to reduce the violence and threat of harm from years of neglect of equitable community investment, of a society intent on using guns as the solution to any problem, and to a culture that markets violence as entertainment.   We will need highly trained, responsible, and trustworthy people to fill the role of armed officers to step into violent situations.  However, I'm voting Yes because we need much more than that. We need a creative way to bring more voices to the table to know what that must look like.

It is a sad truth that all the many reforms put into place have been unable to change the underlying reality: policing is designed to be a battle, not a service. And I recognize from my years of being a teacher that reforms only work if those who must do the work are behind the reforms in the first place. Bad teachers knew how to get around all the reform efforts as well. We can continue to make new rules to stop a particularly bad action (chokeholds for example), but then another tactic just takes its place and new reform must be demanded.  That's the way battles work.

Investing in our communities equitably has also sadly become a battle.   We are told that there are scarce resources available.  That there are too many competing needs.  Task forces and committees must be formed, reports must be created, best practices must be tested.  Voices of leaders with deep commitment and compassion are pitted against each other.  Everyone loses.

Yes4Mpls won't solve everything.  But it is my hope that the energy that drew in people from across our city of all ages and backgrounds to say please make a change will begin the process of creating lasting change.  That there is not a detailed plan in place does not mean that there are not already ways in which system change is already at work.  That includes embedded mental health professionals, community liaisons, community engagement efforts, racial equity lenses, philosophical and educational discussions, business associations and community organizations, faith leaders and justice movement organizers, high schoolers and community elders lending their voices.

The opportunity to build something together with our elected officials will mean that community safety will begin to look like each of our communities in the city, reflecting the vast and diverse needs that are present.  That is what Yes can do for us, and it has already been happening since the murder of George Floyd.  

Some of these changes feel uncomfortable for me because they bring to light my privilege and power.  They ask me to let go of my power, to share it, promising that it won't make me less safe.  I have to admit that keeping my power and privilege does make others feel less safe.  And as I listen to the deep, deep pain and needs of those who do not feel safe, I begin to see the wider connections we must make.

We need affordable, safe housing so that shelter is a right for all.

We need a transit system that is safe and accessible so that we can build a strong city-wide economy.

We need an educational system that has the resources it needs to support each person's needs. 

We need a food system that works for everyone so that no one goes hungry, while protecting our earth's ability to provide for us.

We need an economy that offers everyone who wants to work a place where they can be valued and provide service to others. 

And we need a way to acknowledge and heal the hurt, trauma, and health needs that lead to desperation and violence.

 I’m willing to continue to work for these in whatever small ways my business can provide. We will offer information and materials and opportunities for conversation to help increase public safety throughout our city. We will stand with those who feel unsafe.

This is the path I hope to walk with you.