It is unusual in that Maplewood has a great record on such issues.
But, as TC member Marlon Brownlee noted in his introduction to the resolution, recent events elsewhere prompted it.
Brownlee stated:
While our focus is usually, justifiably and obviously on “local” matters - such as our extensive discussions
this evening - we also know that there are larger matters outside of just Maplewood that impact our lives in this town as well.
In
light of a number of recent, highly publicized and tragic events that
have occurred in communities throughout
the United States, we the Maplewood Township Committee, as leaders in
this town, feel that collectively we have an obligation to speak here
with one voice, to say that we value and intend to continue to ensure
the public safety of all
our residents.
We
recognize that our town, like any town in this country, is part of a
larger state, and that state is
part of the country as a whole, and that no town, even ours, is immune
to the racial issues that continue to plague this country - and indeed,
the world as a whole - and that it is only through all of our continued
efforts and diligence that we will be able
to be the diverse, integrated, and truly inclusive community that we
aspire to be.
Other
municipalities in NJ have adopted resolutions stating what they affirm,
including South Orange. Tonight,
I’d like to read a resolution of our town’s affirmations, and to ask my
colleagues to join me in officially adopting this resolution for the
public record.
See the resolution HERE.
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