THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021 Page 7 ~ LETTER TO THE EDITOR ~ Police officers are held to the same justice as all citizens T o the brave members of the Massachusetts law enforcement community: The trial and conviction on all counts of former police officer Derick Chauvin in Minnesota conclusively demonstrates that officers can be, and in fact are held to the same justice as all other citizens in our nation, as they should be. At the most basic, a man needlessly lost his life to a police officer. At the same time, the assertions of so many who wish to demonize all police officers because of the actions of one police officer have been shown to be hollow. Due process rights do not prevent the investigation, charging, trial, and conviction of a police officer. Neither does qualified immunity. Neither do police unions, associations, or legal defense plans. Police officers, and all citizens, are entitled to their day in court and to have an impartial judge and jury weigh the evidence against them. They are entitled to have their side of the issue heard and considered. And all of us must respect the decisions of the court system when these fundamental rules of due process are applied. Police officers serve the American criminal justice system, sometimes at the cost of their very own lives. We should respect the verdict of the justice system in this case, and we should continue to stand for the proposition that respecting the fundamenCity takes part of EBC Leadership Award F By Christopher Roberson or its involvement in the Resilient Mystic River Collaborative project, Everett was one the recipients of this year’s Leadership by a Non-Profit Award from the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC). The award is shared among 20 municipalities and organizations that make up the Resilient Mystic Collaborative. “I am proud that the City of Everett received this award with our partners,” said DeMaria. “Through our combined efforts, we made progress to protect our communities from the effects of climate change. I look forward to continuing our partnership to further ensure our communities’ protection.” During its first 18 months, the Resilient Mystic Collaborative raised more than $2.5 million for regional climate resilience. The money is being used Walkin’ the Family Dog tal Constitutional rights of all persons of committing an offense, even when that person is a police officer, is no obstacle to the attaining of justice. In fact, it is the very foundation upon which justice can be obtained. To all the officers who continue to defend us with quiet dignity, there are those of us who proclaim loudly our appreciation for the acts of service you perform as part of your daily routine. Even when some protest you, you protect them. This is a time to come together as a community regardless of whether you are black or white, whether you are rich or poor, whether you are a police officer or someone they protect and serve. We are at our best when we recognize our common humanity, and come together to make a better and safer community! Respectfuly, Skyllar Mullvaney The Horses & Heroes Foundation to fund regional stormwater flood management, storm-hardening critical regional infrastructure, next-generation coastal flood management and closing climate equity gaps among residents and workers based on race and income. Members of the Resilient Mystic Collaborative will be honored virtually during the 28th annual EBC Awards Celebration on Thursday, June 10. For more information and to learn how to attend, please visit https:// ebcne.org/events-programs/ ebee-awards-ceremony/#attend. The EBC selected the members of the Resilient Mystic Collaborative to recognize the “incredible partnership of the 20 communities in the Mystic River Watershed working together to protect their people and places from climate-intensified risks.” The award itself was established in February 2001 by the EBC Board of Directors to highlight “outstanding environmental, energy, or climate change leadership by a non-profit organization.” Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Jr. took time to visit the Everett Advocate Newspaper office on Broadway with his best canine friend, Hugo, during a drizzly Wednesday afternoon. Hugo and the mayor can be seen almost every afternoon out on their daily hike throughout the city greeting many business owners and citizens. (Advocate photo)
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