SNELLVILLE — The Mayor and Council unanimously approved a resolution stating racism is not welcome in the city and the city's police department is committed to build on the "culture of trust" it has continued to exhibit to bolster race relations.
The resolution was approved Monday and declares city officials "stand steadfast with all citizens of Snellville against racism and bigotry and reaffirm its commitment to fighting for justice and human and civil rights for all."
"Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd. People who once lived, worked, played, worshipped, and loved in communities not unlike our own," Councilwoman Cristy Lenski said. "I am shocked, sickened, and saddened by the shameful ways in which their lives were ended. The challenge for us now is to respond compassionately and effectively, to acknowledge the blind spots we may have, and to engage in meaningful conversations with our diverse community, where we truly listen to one another and build bridges of understanding."
Also on Monday, the Mayor and Council took the first steps to create a Citizens' Advisory Council which will be charged with addressing topics such as race relations when called upon.
RES 2020-10
RESOLUTION CONDEMNING RACISM
WHEREAS, The City of Snellville, its Mayor, City Council, Chief of Police, entire Snellville Police Department and employees city-wide, are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have recently occurred across the country; and
WHEREAS, racism, hate and bigotry have no place in our city and we are committed to working actively against all forms of racism. We are committed to safeguarding our community against the damages that racism and bigotry cause and to ensuring that the Constitutional rights of every person who lives, works, and visits our great city are protected; and
WHEREAS, your Snellville Police Department has had long-standing policies of honesty, openness and transparency, and is committed to continuing these policies with internal and external stakeholders in a continuing effort to build on the culture of trust with whom they serve; and
WHEREAS, your Snellville Police Department is State Certified, and each year, your officers receive more training, exceeding the requirements by the State of Georgia.
WHEREAS, the City of Snellville truly appreciates the overwhelming support we receive daily from this great community, and it is our promise to each of you that we will continue to work diligently every day to exceed your expectations in all aspects of city-wide operations including those of the Snellville Police Department; and
THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of Snellville, Georgia, Where Everybody's PROUD to be Somebody, stand steadfast with all citizens of Snellville against racism and bigotry and reaffirm its commitment to fighting for justice and human and civil rights for all.
So Resolved this _8th__ day of __June__, 2020.