This morning I am engaged on mental health issues, criminal justice, and our budget--another busy moment. As I dig in, I wanted to take a quick 5 minutes to share with you our next endorsement: my friend Minneh Kane.
Minneh's support of our work on affordable housing, police reform, and food insecurity, along with her work and partnership on changing our logo means a lot to me. She's about the work and I am mindful of that imperative this morning.
I'm particularly conscious of the urgency this morning because of the reality of a suit filed Friday regarding a death in an Arlington jail last year against the medical company that helped provide care and the Arlington County Sheriff's Department. Speculating on the details of an ongoing criminal investigation is not appropriate. The fact the suit was filed reflects the tragedy that a man of color in custody passed away, which occurs far too often in our criminal justice system in this country and in Arlington.
The outcome of the lawsuit is for the legal system. Acknowledging how terrible any fatality in government custody is important, nevertheless, and my taking responsibility and listening in on a panel on Sunday regarding mental health and substance abuse is absolutely appropriate. I'm working today and over the coming weeks to determine steps the County Board can take as far as resources to avoid any preventable deaths of those in our custody.
Back to it, with special thanks to Minneh and each of you, for your shared commitment to a better Arlington and a better world,
