My Statement: Responding to the death of Breonna Taylor and the demands of BLM Portland

As a candidate for public office in Portland, I must speak up in support of all those seeking justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and so many more African Americans killed by police forces in this country. I cannot be silent about this injustice; our humanity is tied together.

The four officers involved with the killing of George Floyd have been arrested and charged. Now, the three officers involved with the killing of Breonna Taylor should be arrested and charged.

The sad truth is that none of these officers would have faced accountability for their wrongful actions if thousands of people had not marched in the streets and demanded justice. I was humbled to join with so many Portland neighbors in participating in these recent demonstrations. The work continues, and so must we.

Black lives matter. Black lives in Maine matter. As a society, we need to change our ways if we are to make that simple truth an enduring reality in our laws and lived experiences. We must confront and overcome the wide grasp of systemic racism, which deals lopsided death and destruction to Black lives in almost every aspect of our society: law enforcement, healthcare, the economy, housing, education, and more.

While it is right to scrutinize policing at this time, it is also important to recognize policing as one part of a larger racist system of control and punishment. This system unfairly targets Black lives at every step: from the definition of crime, to surveillance, to arrests, to cash bail, to legal representation, to sentencing, to incarceration, to parole, and more. When we say “Black lives matter,” I believe it means we are committing ourselves to changing our laws, policies, and social systems to that they fully and equally value Black life.

I have made some effort over the years to understand the nature and history of racism and inequality in our country. I recognize that I still have much more left to learn. As a white man, I will never understand what it feels like to bear the brunt of racism—in Maine or anywhere. Likewise, I have made some effort over the years to support Black activists fighting for equality and justice. I recognize that I can and should do more. I still have much more to do to develop authentic and sustained solidarity with Black Mainers and the cause of racial justice and equality.  

Since the beginning of my campaign, I have supported proposals to close Long Creek Youth Development Center because of the testimony and activism of young Mainers who have personally experienced the harm of being locked-up. If I have the honor of serving as Portland’s next State Representative in District 38, I will continue following the leadership of those experiencing harm in determining how I can best use my role to help reduce, eliminate, and repair that harm.

In addition to demanding the closure of Long Creek, the BLM Portland collective has outlined a set of demands for local and state government. These demands must be taken seriously. I support divesting from our systems of control and punishment, and investing instead in avenues of true public safety: affordable housing, access to health care, robust education, climate action, restorative justice, and more. If elected, I will attempt to make sure these demands are duly considered in the next legislative session. I will not act alone, but rather will follow the leadership of people of color and Black-led organizations that have spent years and generations defending and advocating for Black lives. I will make myself available to any constituents of this district wishing to discuss these efforts.

To determine the way forward, we must listen to those among us who have experienced the impact of injustice. As a white person in this conversation, I hold myself accountable to listening and seeking to understand. As a candidate, or elected representative, I hold myself accountable to taking action. As a citizen of Maine, I hold myself accountable to facing our history and helping to build a society where all of us can truly thrive.

I welcome others to hold me accountable as well.