In a public letter addressed to “community stakeholders,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness cites the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in saying he has been “reflecting on our community and our collective responsibility to pursue a still elusive end goal of an equitable and humane society.”

The mayor admits he has no way of understanding how African-Americans feel, saying “as a public servant who commits himself daily to trying to improve the lives of the people that I serve each day, I am cognizant of the work that must continue to be done to ensure that Fishers is different.”

Fadness promises there will be hard conversations in the city about empathizing  and valuing one another.  “Fishers will understand that the dignity of each individual is something sacred,” the mayor says.

The entire text of the mayor’s letter is shown below.

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The tragic death of Mr. Floyd in Minneapolis and the pain and outrage in the streets of our country has me reflecting on our community and our collective responsibility to pursue a still elusive end goal of an equitable and humane society.

To the black community in our city, I will not be arrogant or insensitive enough to say that I understand how you feel. I have not experienced what you have, but as a public servant who commits himself daily to trying to improve the lives of the people that I serve each day, I am cognizant of the work that must continue to be done to ensure that Fishers is different. Fishers will have hard conversations, Fishers will empathize with one another, Fishers will value everyone, Fishers will understand that the dignity of each individual is something sacred.

I am encouraged by the work being done by stakeholders in our community as well as public leaders such as Chief Gebhart. I am hopeful that we are emerging from the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic and I am resolved to recommitting ourselves to the pursuit of a community that is truly equitable and humane. Fishers can and must be the example of a community for all.