Dear all,

This month, my thoughts are with East Palestine, Ohio. It has been over a month since 20 train cars derailed, spilling harmful chemicals and polluting the town and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, the media, government agencies, and elected officials have yet to provide clear explanations and guidance.

Fortunately, Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance are putting aside partisan differences to work together to create better policies that govern rail companies in Ohio. However, in the meantime, the people of East Palestine are still waiting for clarity while being shamefully caught in the political crossfire.

Former state senator and congressional candidate Nina Turner recently spoke out about the situation on CNN. She rightly pointed out that it is abhorrent for anyone to suggest that the residents of East Palestine deserved this because they voted for President Trump. The truth is that this is about poverty. Low income and working-class people of all races and political affiliations deserve clean air, clean food, clean water, and relief both in the short term and the long term.

Let us remember to prioritize policy over politics and reject hateful rhetoric that comes at the expense of our fellow Ohioans' and Americans' well-being. You can watch the Breaking Points/Nina Turner clip on the situation here.

Also, if you are in NEO, please join us this coming Thursday in support of Law Director for the City of Rocky River, Michael O’Shea. He is a friend that continues to show up for the people of his community and all of North East Ohio. ‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌