WILLISTON: The role of Lt. Governor is often minimalized, but one Democratic candidate continues to highlight opportunities to leverage this office. Today Senator David Zuckerman, surrounded by a diverse group of colleagues and constituents, announced the formation of a task force to confront racism in Vermont. Earlier in the campaign Senator Zuckerman announced a task force focused on enhancing the rural economy.
“I see great opportunity for Vermont’s Lieutenant Governor to play an active role in engaging Vermonters in the political process and leveraging their creative ideas to address some of our most difficult challenges,” said Zuckerman. “The recent report on incidents of traffic stops and incarceration of African Americans in Vermont, as well as conversations I’ve had with community members, show racism does exist here. I believe we need to acknowledge this and I am committed to helping communities understand and confront the underlying factors that create racism. I will bring together a task force of community members, elected officials, law enforcement, and others to sit at the same table and confront this difficult issue head-on.”
Zuckerman’s belief that community members want to come together and work on this issue was echoed by many of the other speakers. Jamell Rogers, a local singer/songwriter, said, “We need to join together and take responsibility for our actions. I am ready to do this, which is why I’m helping to plan David’s “Raise Your Voice” event.” Community Organizer Edwin Owusu called for transparency in police procedures and fairness in practice. “I’m committed to being part of this,” said Owusu, “because I believe Vermonters want positive and healthy communities and are motivated to change. We can do better here.”
Representative Diana Gonzalez talked about the need for local police to share some of the positive changes that have been made and also what they are working on to continue to improve relations with the community. “Racism is not a Vermont value,” she said. “Vermont values are equity and inclusiveness.”
Senator Phil Baruth reflected on testimony he and Senator Zuckerman heard as members of the Senate Education Committee confirming students of color are two times more likely to be expelled from school. “David examined the research, asked tough questions, and then focused on what could be done to address this,” said Baruth. “David has a history of taking on tough issues and working on them over long periods of time to achieve results. This will make him a successful Lt. Governor,” Baruth concluded.
“I am so pleased to have these community members committed to working on this issue,” said Zuckerman. “Many of them are helping me put together an event we are calling ‘Raise Your Voice’, which will take place in late August. This will be an opportunity for law enforcement and elected official to listen and for community members to share stories, ideas, and solutions to the challenges they are facing. As an elected official, father, and community member I am deeply committed to working with community members on this issue,” concluded Zuckerman.
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