Acting City Manager Condemns Killing Of George Floyd

MILL VALLEY, CA — Mill Valley's acting city manager and chief of police condemned the killing of George Floyd in a letter to the community Wednesday.

Floyd, a black man, died Memorial Day in Minneapolis after being taken into police custody.

"His death is yet another example of a senseless and avoidable outcome at the hands of law enforcement and reflects poorly on each of us who has taken an oath to uphold and defend rights of those we have committed to serve and protect," Alan Piombo said.

Piombo also said the issues surrounding Floyd's death, including discrimination and racism, were of "immediate local importance" in the city. His letter was released a day after Mill Valley Mayor Sashi McEntee's response to a racially sensitive question sparked outrage on social media.

Also see: Mayor's Response To Black Lives Matter Question Sparks Outrage

"This tragic event in Minneapolis, and the ensuing protests around our country once again shine a light on the challenges that persist in our communities, and the important responsibilities we all have to identify and call out deeply rooted, systemic inequalities in our society," Piombo said.

"To that effect, let me be clear — discrimination and systemic racism are of immediate local importance, here in Mill Valley."

Mill Valley residents and others online accused McEntee of mishandling a question during the public comment portion of Monday's City Council meeting.

A community member submitted a comment about a "white silence is violence" sign that was taken down in downtown Mill Valley.

"Our question is simple: What is Mill Valley doing to show that Black Lives Matter?" he asked.

In response, McEntee said, "It is a council policy that we do not take action on issues that are not of immediate local importance."

By Tuesday evening, McEntee responded to the criticism on social media.

"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," McEntee said in a statement. "Let me make it clear that the tragic death of George Floyd is of immediate local importance along with being a national issue."

In his letter to the community, Piombo asserted that the city is committed to "deliver service in an unbiased and equitable manner."

"I want to acknowledge and thank community members for your commitment to equality and justice," he said. "We have heard your voices and appreciate them. We look forward to working with you to bring about a more just and equitable world."

Read Piombo's full message below:

Mill Valley Community,

First and foremost, I want to express my sadness and absolute condemnation concerning the actions that took the life of George Floyd. My condolences go out to the Floyd family and to all those currently grieving.

His death is yet another example of a senseless and avoidable outcome at the hands of law enforcement and reflects poorly on each of us who has taken an oath to uphold and defend rights of those we have committed to serve and protect.

This tragic event in Minneapolis, and the ensuing protests around our country once again shine a light on the challenges that persist in our communities, and the important responsibilities we all have to identify and call out deeply rooted, systemic inequalities in our society.

To that effect, let me be clear — discrimination and systemic racism are of immediate local importance, here in Mill Valley.

As your Acting City Manager and Chief of Police, I want to assert that the City of Mill Valley is committed to deliver service in an unbiased and equitable manner. I commit to continuing to work with our staff, agency partners and community members to ensure that the City of Mill Valley acts as a leader in our community to uphold the highest levels of accountability, honesty, integrity, professionalism, transparency, and trust.

Finally, I want to acknowledge and thank community members for your commitment to equality and justice. We have heard your voices and appreciate them. We look forward to working with you to bring about a more just and equitable world.