City’s priority must be protecting the innocent

Dear Editor,

Within nearly 24 hours of the latest virtual meeting of the Kingston Police Accountability Task Force, there has been yet another violent crime within the city of Kingston, this time claiming the life of a 12-yearold child.

I find it unconscionable that the clear priority of the commission is not the safety and well-being of all in the community, rather it is to further dismantle and disconnect the police from those whom they are sworn to serve. The commission, notably Alderman Tony Davis, D-Ward 6, prioritizes how imperative it is for us all to accept “unconscious bias,” the need to reinstate the doll test, and how the removal of resource officers from schools is an absolute necessity.

I virtually attended the task force meeting in November, and not once within the nearly three hours was the uptick in violent crime mentioned. I realize that many of the task force members have worked hard to try and bring realistic and positive change; but we’ve now reached a threshold where children are dying. No discussion comes before keeping children alive and safe.

I implore those in power within the city of Kingston to realize that this commission has made it clear that the impetus is not on keeping the community safe for all; the agenda of dismantling the police takes precedence over the lives of children.

City Hall needs to rein the violent crime in. Now.

Bill Cranston Kingston, N.Y.