Rule of law must be respected
Editor’s note: Javon Dawson was a 17-year-old Gibbs High School student shot and killed by police June 7.
Article published on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008 |
Editor:
In the weeks following the tragic death of Javon Dawson, our community has struggled to come to terms with the death of yet another young person in our community. Some have voiced frustration with the investigative process, others have rightly pointed to the fact that guns and gun-related violence have become a far too routine occurrence in some of our neighborhoods.
To end this spiral of violence, crime and death, we will all have to intensify our efforts to create more educational and economic opportunities, to build a stronger sense of personal responsibility and mutual respect for our neighbors, and to counter the pervasive gun culture which glamorizes guns, especially among our youth.
Many members of our community have long worked toward these goals, but much work remains. The task before us must be approached as a community – parents, youth, government, schools, community organizations and neighborhoods. There is no one entity that can single-handedly solve this problem.
As your elected officials, we urge the community to allow the investigation process of the state attorney to be completed. Those who have information regarding the Javon Dawson case should come forward and speak the truth. The rule of law must be respected, and recent comments alluding to “uprising” or violence are irresponsible.
Many have worked to improve our neighborhoods, and bring public and private investment to our community, specifically in the Midtown area. Any escalation of violence, or even the threat of such, would be a self-defeating setback to the economic development, education and job opportunities that so many have worked so hard to bring to our economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. We urge those who truly care about our community to continue your positive work to provide opportunities and hope for a brighter future. We stand with you.
Ken Welch
Pinellas County commissioner
James Bennet
council chair, St. Petersburg
Darrly Rousen
state representative, District 55
Kar Nurse
council member, District 6
Rick Baker
mayor, St. Petersburg
Wengay Newton
council member, District 7
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Article published on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008
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