Contact: John Imes, 608-712-7898 jimesother@gmail.com
A primary goal of our campaign is to enact high-road progressive policies that create a more just, equitable, sustainable, and inclusive economy that works for all.
We cannot achieve that goal amid the ongoing problems of systematic racism and unequal justice.
Once again, the world collectively witnessed the murder of an unarmed black man, this time a man named George Floyd, at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. This tragedy is abhorrently common.
The subsequent protests in our community and across the nation, led by brave people of color and their allies, have sent a message that we must fundamentally change direction and work together to dismantle divisive and racist policies, including those of the Scott Walker and Trump administrations.
As State Senator, I will stand against racist rhetoric and will support concrete actions to reform criminal justice. For example, I support Governor Evers call on state lawmakers to pass Assembly Bill 1012 and Senate Bill 892 to require law enforcement agencies to create new use of force policies to prevent unreasonable uses of force by officers.
Working with colleagues and stakeholders, I will also be guided by innovative policy reforms including a toolkit and model legislation based on the Obama administration’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.
We need to do better in lifting those subjected to systemic racism, and that starts with speaking out and recommitting to equal protection for all. However, we must not let the violent actions of a few who engage in looting and destruction undermine public safety and ruin people’s livelihoods. Not to mention, devalue the message and tradition of peaceful protests in Madison. Seeing hundreds of volunteers come together on State St. to sweep glass, remove graffiti and pick up trash reminds us that we can recover from these challenging times, but only if we stand up with all our fellow citizens and find ways to take better care of our local businesses, workers, families and communities and put people first!
For more on the Imes campaign, please visit www.johnimes.com
