Jun 03, 2020

Commissioners speak out following protests across the nation

Posted Jun 03, 2020 8:25 PM

Three members of the Junction City Commission expressed their thoughts following the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis and the ensuing protests that have occurred across the nation.

Mayor Jeff Underhill said he appreciated the peaceful protests that have occurred in Junction City. "We as a City take the current situation in our country very seriously and will continue to expect our Police Department to uphold the highest standards of integrity and service to all people."

Commissioner Pat Landes said he thinks that everyone's heart in this country is hurting, "for the family of Mr. Floyd and the African American community in general. The video was powerful and I think everybody needed to see that, otherwise it's just a story that's over in two minutes. And hopefully that will be a cause for change."

Commissioner Nate Butler responded to a podcast by Dr. Tony Evans, a pastor in the Dallas, Texas area. "He said healing must begin with civic leaders and I agree with that. I think that's important for the nation as a whole." Butler referred to another statement by Evans, "Leaders must be agents of healing, not division. And I thought that says a whole lot."

Butler noted the nation is going through some times.

The three commissioners expressed their thoughts during the Junction City Commission meeting Tuesday evening.