HomeMy WebLinkAboutSteve Shepard_ Pastor remarks edited for city council meeting 8 5 20 (Hardy Brown)St. Paul AME Church San Bernardino
Rev. Steven Shepard, Pastor
Social Action Committee
Cheryl Brown, Chair
8/5/20
Mr. Mayor and Honorable Councilpersons; I know you have
a lot on your mind such as lawsuits as result of the Mayor’s
inappropriate behavior, The raising of taxes on the backs of the
poor, hiring more police officers, replacing the city manager,
hiring a police chief and other critical issues. They are all
important, but I want to keep on your mind that for 114 Plus years,
this city has never had an African American as Police Chief.
I think this is a disservice to our city and the people of color
who reside in this city and is evidence of blatant and out right
baked systemic racism in this city. Mayor I read on your webpage
that you were going to root out racism and discrimination, there is
no better time to start than now with the police chief and city
manager positions.
The late and great Civil rights leader and Congressman John
Lewis once said to us: If you see something wrong say something.
If you see something wrong, do something. If you see something
wrong, then get in the way. Its past time that we Stir Up “Good
Trouble” as Congressman Lewis would have called it.
Mr. Mayor, I see something wrong in city hall and I am
saying something. I will do something and get in your way by
asking the members of St. Paul and voters in San Bernardino to
oppose giving the city any more Measure Z tax money and to voice
that conviction at the ballot box come Nov 3rd.
Mr. Mayor I join in the chorus of Councilman Shorett
comments: You have shown us, not only by your actions and lack
thereof that you have not been a “Good Steward” over that which
has been placed in your hands.
I leave you with the Spanish Proverbs that says: A wise man
changes his mind, a fool never will.
Thank you for your time!
Rev. Steve Shepard, Pastor