Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Feb. 2, 2023
Police chiefs respond to death of Tyre Nichols
As president of the Marin County Police Chiefs Association, I can say that we are deeply troubled by the horrific death of Mr. Tyre Nichols at the hands of five former Memphis Police Department officers. Our hearts are broken for Mr. Nichols’ family, friends and community as they deal with the aftermath of this criminal act.
The actions shown in the recently released video are the antithesis of what law enforcement has been trained and sworn to do. Once again, a select few have tarnished the reputation of law enforcement officers who uphold our code of ethics on a daily basis.
As leaders of law enforcement in Marin, we are committed to treating our community with fairness, dignity and respect. We are committed to serving Marin County with the highest quality of service, to be transparent and to earn your trust every day. We know we have work to do. We recognize the value of deep relationships with our community, honest dialogue and a commitment to diversity and equity.
Our condolences go out to Mr. Nichols’ family and all in the community who feel the pain of this tragic death.
The Marin County Police Chiefs Association represents the following law enforcement agencies: Belvedere, California Highway Patrol Golden Gate Division, Central Marin, Marin District Attorney’s Office, College of Marin, Fairfax, Marin Municipal Water District, Mill Valley, Novato, Ross, San Rafael, Sausalito, Marin Sheriff’s Office, Tiburon and the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District.
— Chief Jeff Marozick, Marin Community College Police Department
Mill Valley school board president adds context
I am the president for the Mill Valley School District Board of Trustees, though I am writing this in my individual capacity as a resident of this community for over 40 years.
The recently published article about the impending departure of Superintendent Kimberly Berman (“School district superintendent to exit in June,” Jan. 20) includes information given to the Marin IJ news department by the school district. I would like to add to the information presented.
The members of this newly formed board put a lot of careful thought and deliberation into this decision. As Berman confirmed in an email to the Marin IJ, the separation agreement was crafted amicably, collaboratively and mutually among and between both parties. It was approved unanimously by the board.
In regard to the specifics of the agreement, the district is bound by the terms and conditions of the superintendent’s employment contract, executed and signed in May of 2019, by prior board members. The waiver of claims provision in the separation agreement is not atypical of such agreements and is not indicative of there being any specific claim or claims.
Despite some inferences, the mutual decision and the contents of the separation agreement are not connected to the recent Marin County superintendent of schools June primary election.
Most importantly, the board is moving forward with a timely process to recruit a new superintendent. The board began the process with a special board meeting late last month. The next regular meeting is Feb. 9 at 6 p.m.. I invite and welcome the community’s input in this process.
— Michele Crncich Hodge, Mill Valley
Concerned by group’s ties to business of selling
I am writing in regard to a recently published article about lawsuits filed by Californians for Homeownership against Novato and Belvedere over state-mandated plans for more housing (“Activists sue Marin cities over housing plans,” Jan. 28).
According to recent reports, Californians for Homeownerhip is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit sponsored by the California Association of Realtors. Realtors profit from selling new homes.
I would hardly call that a group of “activists.”
— Fred Coito, San Anselmo
Coastal farmworkers need housing support
The recent article by the Los Angeles Times published in the Marin IJ (“Shooting exposes deplorable conditions,” Jan. 29) exposed some of the difficulties endured by coastal farmworkers forced to live in substandard housing. Gov. Gavin Newsom and other elected officials should range up and down our coasts and provide trailers (at no cost) to all farmworkers. I think they should be provided by FEMA. California relies on these ranchers and farmers to provide things like flowers, mushrooms and artichokes.
— Neil Hammari, Sausalito