The Newsletter [[link removed]]
John,
The Economist wrote its cover story this month on the politics of policing in the wake of George Floyd's murder – and how my race for Hennepin County Attorney will serve as a "test of voters’ feelings on police". Here's an excerpt about last year's ballot initiative that resonates with me and the communities I've spent my career serving:
"A formal proposal from the council to abolish the Minneapolis Police Department and replace it with a new “department of public safety” was soundly defeated, with 56% of voters against. Perhaps most surprisingly, the revolt against the measure was strongest in Minneapolis’s black neighbourhoods , in the north and centre. Most votes in favour came from liberal, whiter districts, peaking in blocks around the University of Minnesota." The Economist, September 2022
My priorities remain the same and have not changed since I got into this race seven months ago. Creating safer communities, strong partnerships with law enforcement, and getting justice for victims of violent crime are our most pressing issues .
In the wake of an unprecedented spike in violent crime, my top priority will be ensuring survivors receive justice. My opponent listed her top priority as holding police accountable, with no mention of rectifying violent crime.
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Although Mary Moriarty will not reveal how she voted on the ballot question to eliminate the Minneapolis Police Department , making this her priority over getting justice for victims should tell us a lot. It's clear to me that she is afraid of the electoral consequences of outright admitting she voted to defund and leave our community with no alternative resources.
The job of the County Attorney is to put the safety of the people they serve first, above the demands of politicians and activists, above adherence to strict ideology, and above one’s own ambition and ego.
Too often, our public safety conversations focus on providing support for people who cause harm to our communities, while victims are disregarded. We have to send a message that there are consequences for committing crimes. If we remove accountability for violent criminals, the consequences fall squarely on victims and community members. That is unjust.
I look forward to advocating both for effective law enforcement reform and establishing a Hennepin County Attorney's office that operates with a community-first model. If you share this vision, please consider making a donation to my campaign. [[link removed]] We won't be able to pull this off with you.
Regards,
Martha
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Martha for Hennepin
PO Box 3760
Minneapolis, MN 55403
United States
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