Like many Americans, we are outraged at the events in Minneapolis that took the life of George Floyd, and we look for justice to be done for him, his family, and our country.

The genius of America is that we stand for an ideal, a vision of a land where all people can live together in peace and justice under the equal protection of the law. Where the dignity and equality of all people are respected and protected. Where people have the opportunity to live their dreams for themselves, their families, and for a better community and a better world. For each of us individually, and for each generation, there will always be important work to be done in moving closer to these ideals that America stands for at home and to the world.

We applaud the peaceful protesters who have raised their voices together in a call to live up to these ideals.  Hate, discrimination, racism, bigotry, and injustice have no place in our community, and we will fight against them whenever they appear.

We support the men and women of our local law enforcement who risk their lives every day to protect us and our community. They serve with professionalism and dedication to making the ideal of equal justice for all a reality every day in their difficult jobs. 

We have the opportunity now, just as we have many times in our past, to move our country closer to those ideals for all people. Let's work together to meet that challenge.