Marinscope
Mill Valley Mayor Sashi McEntee is taking a pounding on social media this evening after an offhand remark at the last city council meeting.
A caller complained about a Black Lives poster being torn down in Mill Valley and asked: “What is Mill Valley doing to show that Black Lives Matter?’
She replied: ‘It is a council policy that we do not take action on issues that are not of immediate local importance but we appreciate hearing everyone’s comments.”
That brought rebuke for the mayor and Mill Valley on social media. One person said: “Mill Valley, a bubble, within a bubble, within a bubble.” Another responded “Some people think they can just continue business as usual while the rest of the world is screaming for justice. They don’t want to know that their silence is violently felt by those in need of support.
The mayor later put out the following statement:
“Statement Regarding My Remarks at the June 1st Council Meeting A number of citizens have expressed concern about the comment I made at the end of public open time last night. After reviewing the video, I understand your concerns. Let me make it clear that the tragic death of George Floyd is of immediate local importance along with being a national issue.
“I was horrified when I heard of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Floyd’s death. Immediately, I reached to our law enforcement partners to discuss Mill Valley’s current restraint training and other associated policies. Thankfully, the specific restraint actions tragically taken by the officer are not allowed in California, and our peace officers have received extensive training to avoid these inhumane methods.
“I also confirmed that the Mill Valley Police Department does not tolerate use of excessive force or any conduct that does not uphold the highest level of integrity and respect for the community they serve.
“As a person of color, I am acutely aware of the power and importance of words because I have been on the receiving end of bigotry myself. My comments during the meeting referred to a long-standing City Council policy regarding national issues and a policy that prevents council members from discussing items that are not previously agonized in accordance with the law. It is clear that I did not express myself well or share with the community what is in my heart.”
— MAYOR SASHI MCENTEE
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