League of Women Voters joins condemnation of Spa City officials

County chapter says comments appear to intimidate protesters

The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County released a statement on Thursday joining those who condemn the city’s Public Safety department for “linking protests and criticism of the police to increases in criminal activity,” saying it “appear(s) to be aimed to intimidate those who exercise” the right to protest.

The group that works to register and educate voters was expressing its concern after a June 28 news conference in City Hall where Assistant Chief John Catone and Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton told the public and press that Black Lives Matter protesters are, in part, to blame for recent violence outside the bars on Caroline Street.

“We acknowledge the efforts of the police and city leaders to listen to citizen concerns during the publicly held discussions this past year as part of the Governor’s executive order on police reform,” the statement read. “We encourage public officials and leaders to continue the dialogue, to build public trust and positive community relationships by supporting community participation in policy and decision-making, increasing transparency through the timely dissemination of information to the public, and unequivocally supporting the right to protest.”

The statement continues with the League saying it is “recommitted to working toward equity and inclusion, not only within the League itself but also in the communities it serves. We acknowledge systemic racism and look within our own organization and every level of govern

ment to eradicate it. The League recognizes that the individual liberties of persons of color are not being equally protected. We believe that racial and economic factors influence the treatment of citizens in the law enforcement system. Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness for all members of our community within the procedures and processes of all systems.”