City council statement following Derek Chauvin trial verdict

Richfield Residents, 

Since last May, when George Floyd was tragically killed and his death sparked a global response, the world has been watching Minnesota to see how it would respond. Would Mr. Floyd’s family and the broader community get the justice we sought? Would we take action to ensure our communities of color feel safer? Would we start looking within and across our societal systems and institutions and take action to make them more equitable?

With the jury's finding of a guilty verdict, we have some answers. We also know that the struggle for justice is much greater than this ruling.

Over the past year, we have heard from residents of all ages, races and backgrounds who were outraged and struggling in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. We too feel this outrage and understand that it is a direct response to generations of disinvestment, discrimination and structural racism imposed on and experienced by our communities of color.

No verdict, no public demonstration, no policy change could ever fully right this wrong, but this is an important step forward for all of us as a society. It is a step towards changing the discriminatory systems that hold some people back while benefiting others. Regardless of the outcome of the trial, as city leaders we committed to ensuring that all of our systems are equitable, from our government to our schools to our criminal justice system. As a city council, we promise to continue working tirelessly to ensure that all people are welcomed in our city and are served equitably. We are committed to this work in partnership with our residents, city staff, law enforcement officers and partners in surrounding communities.

Meaningful reform will take leadership and collaboration from all members of our community. We ask that you partner with us to bring about any necessary changes needed to make Richfield a truly equitable ‘Urban Hometown.'

Sincerely, 
Maria signature-Black
Maria Regan Gonzalez 
Mayor 

Mary Supple-Black
Mary Supple 
Councilmember At-Large 

Simon Signature-Black
Simon Trautmann 
Ward I Councilmember 

Sean Hayford Oleary
Sean Hayford Oleary
Ward II City Councilmember 

Ben Whalen-signature-BLACK
Ben Whalen 
Ward III City Councilmember