Message from the County Administrator
While Minneapolis is thousands of miles away from Palm Beach County,
the murder of George Floyd has us wondering what is happening to
humanity and acceptance. It leaves us in disbelief that once again a life
has been cut short while the world witnessed this deplorable indifference
to a man’s plea for life that resulted in a senseless murder. The video of
Mr. Floyd’s murder is very disturbing and unacceptable to not only
America but the world. Let us all take a moment and imagine ourselves
in the position of the Floyd family. We would all want and demand justice
for our love ones. As a daughter, sister, aunt and a friend of black males,
but most importantly as the wife to Joe, I feel the pain, anger and loss
being experienced by Mr. Floyd’s family and friends. We should all feel
their pain. I have experienced the anxiety of my husband and brother
being pulled over by law enforcement and not knowing how the
interaction will end.
We must not allow the looters and agitators to distract us from standing
up and speaking out against injustice. It is time for all of us to take further

 actions and demand change as demonstrated by the responsible protesters
that have taken to the streets. During the past week, we observed some of
the protesters and law enforcement showing respect for each other during
these challenging times. I have family and friends that are in the law
enforcement community and respect and appreciate the fact that they put
their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. They are
valuable members of our churches, social organizations and mentors to
the children in our neighborhoods.

However, we too often witness

officers that do not deserve to wear the shield. Good officers must
continue to speak up and demand these few officers be removed. Law
Enforcement must be integral partners in the cultural change that is vital
at this pivotal point in time.
Now is the moment for all of us to evaluate ourselves and our biased
systems and make the fundamental changes to ensure racial equity in our
society.

It begins with valuing every life regardless of race,

socioeconomic status, or education and respecting each other even when
we don’t agree. The silent must join the vocal good people by speaking

 out and taking immediate action when a wrong has been committed. This
is the precise time we must continue to improve race relations in our
community and the nation. To begin the healing process we should stand
shoulder to shoulder in solidarity for justice. During my time as the
County Administrator, I have required my executive staff to attend racial
equity training. Every one of those individuals has emerged with a better
perspective of the challenges faced by people of color. We must place
ourselves in others positions to better understand and relate to the
residents we are called to serve.
We live in the greatest country in the world. We each have the ability to
make a difference starting right here, in Palm Beach County. Open your
circles a bit more with others that differ from you – in your workspace, in
your neighborhoods and through your actions. Engage with your children
on race relations, become a mentor and vote. Do your part to make our
various communities and this county a place where positivity and
impartiality shine and hope remains alive.

 While in the Birmingham jail Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote “Injustice
anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Let us join together and
remain vigilant against injustice and demand justice for Mr. George Floyd
and the many others by never repeating the tragedy that unnecessarily
took their lives to soon.