Your Voice: Tri-City mayors issue statement about protests over Floyd death

The tragic death of George Floyd two weeks ago unleashed a tsunami of protests across our nation. The protests make clear that issues of racism that some may have hoped were behind us require a renewed national conversation and a commitment to guaranteeing that the American dream is available to every one of us.

It would be easy, and wrong, to think that these issues don't affect those of us lucky enough to live in our relatively small communities in the nation's northeast corner. While our nation is vast and wonderfully diverse it is as true now as ever that we all suffer when one American or group of Americans is ill-served by our society. The actions of each of us - police officer, elected official, citizen -must recognize that we're all in this together.

Elected officials at every level must make sure that governmental departments and public employees treat each citizen with respect in each and every interaction. As Mayors we know first-hand that our local police departments remain committed to equal and just treatment of all citizens and constant self-examination for improvement. Our goal and approach has been and will always be to create communities where all are celebrated and welcomed.

As a united team of Mayors, we will continue with vigilance to ensure the seeds of hate never root within our Tri-City area. The Tri-City Mayors of Rochester, Somersworth and Dover, agree not only do Black Lives Matter but the lives of every person in this nation matters; African American, Native Americans, immigrants, Latinos, Asians, LGBT, all ethnic groups, all religions. It is our collective hope that through the protests, demonstrations and conversations that we will finally awaken to erase the lines of division and hate, and walk together as united citizens to ensuring the American dream for all.

With our same level of commitment to the foundation of rights and justice for all, we stand by our local law enforcement officers, with faith that they will continue to carry out their oath to protect the lives and liberties of all citizens.

Rochester Mayor Caroline McCarley

Dover Mayor Robert Carrier

Somersworth Mayor Dana Hilliard