Statement of Support for Councilor Avalos

I am deeply concerned about the fire that occurred at the home of my colleague, Councilor Avalos, and my heart goes out to her. Although we don't definitively know if the fire was indeed arson, it certainly could be politically motivated. This isn't acceptable. And it isn't new, either. Over the past five years, I-and two of my former Council colleagues-were targeted by repeated acts of political violence that endangered our families, our neighbors, and destroyed personal property. That kind of intimidation has no place in a democracy.

Serving in elected office is increasingly dangerous, and this council must denounce incendiary political rage, rhetoric and behavior. This isn't about choosing a side - we are seeing extremism across the political spectrum. It is our responsibility as leaders of this city to counter the heightened local political tensions with calm and unified governance. I stand in support of Councilor Avalos.