I knocked on doors for Erin Medenhall, and today I question how I spent my time.
I was a newcomer in the Salt Lake City political sphere in this past mayoral election. I found my experience to be joyful and inspiring. I enjoyed volunteering on weekends and during lunch breaks, walking through many of the eclectic neighborhoods that handed Mendenhall the election. Armed with flyers, a clipboard and a pen, inspired by an authentic leader, the experience resembled that of an after-school special on democracy. It felt rewarding.
My name might not indicate it, but I fit the demographic physical description of Bernardo Palacios-Carbajal. For that reason, the mayor’s cautious Twitter statement feels like a betrayal.
In a time when the people desperately need some assurance that police reform is underway, the mayor has parroted the same "thoughts and prayers" rhetoric that has become the staple of national politics.
The moment calls for concise acknowledgement of the innocent’s death and the pain caused by the police. It calls for a clear, intelligent, morally focused plan to direct changes in the SLC police department. “Walking in your shoes” and “my heart is with” platitudes fall on tired ears.
Understand that this letter is not written in anger or regret. It is written with optimism that when I ask myself if I wasted my time walking for Mendenhall the answer will be “no.” No, because this week the mayor introduces meaningful police bills. No, because this week the mayor stands with protesters and promises to never gag people with curfews.
If my optimism has been misplaced, then I again look forward to weekends and lunch breaks equipped with my clipboard and pen, but this time without Mendenhall’s flyers.
Samuel Graham, Salt Lake City
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