Update from Mayor
Tonight as we come together to do the public’s business as elected leaders, I want
to say a few words about the tragic and senseless violence that took the life of
Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and injured two
others. The suspect was apprehended on Sunday.
These politically motivated attacks strike at the very core of our democracy and
the value we as Americans place on public service. All of us up here have sought
out this role because we want to help our communities. As elected leaders, we
understand that criticism and disagreement come with the job. But we do not
expect our political differences to be met with deadly violence.
In moments like this, we must come together as a nation to condemn hatred and
protect the institutions—and the people—that make our democracy, and
democratic institutions, strong.
Let’s take a moment to honor the memory of those lost and to wish a full recovery
to those injured as we pray for peace in our communities.
[moment of silence]
Thank you.
==
The tragic events of the weekend remind us of the tragedies we have known right
here in Annapolis. Next Saturday, June 28, marks seven years since the senseless
mass shooting at the Capital Gazette that took the lives of five: Rebecca Smith,
John McNamara, Wendi Winters, Rob Hiaasen, and Gerald Fischman. On Friday,
five wreaths will be placed at the site - one for each victim.
Last week, on June 11, we also recognized the two year anniversary of the second
mass casualty incident in Annapolis, with three lives lost - Mario Mireles Ruiz,
Christian Segovia and Nicolas Mireles, along with three others who were injured
but survived. The pain of this incident continues to echo through our community.
Tragedies like these, alongside shooting incidents in Annapolis, Anne Arundel
County, and throughout Maryland, must never be forgotten. It is why we are
lighting City Hall orange throughout June for the cause of gun violence awareness.
No matter how many years pass, we will continue to hold victims and their
families in our hearts and remain committed to building a community where every
resident feels safe.
Let’s take a moment to remember all who have been victims of gun violence.
[moment of silence]
Thank you
==
This Thursday, we celebrate Juneteenth—a profoundly important day in our
history that marks the effective end of slavery in the United States. This
Thursday to celebrate, Annapolis Rec & Parks is hosting the second Carr’s
Beach Reunion at Elktonia/Carrs on Bembe Beach Road. There will be two
stages for music, plus food trucks and fun for everyone.
Parking at the site is limited to handicap-accessible only. Please park at Pip Moyer
Rec Center, Pal Park or Hillsmere Elementary and take the free shuttle. Bring a
chair or blanket (no umbrellas please) and enjoy an afternoon of great music. This
event is rain or shine, so let’s hope Mother Nature cooperates.
Then on Saturday, join us for the 5th annual Juneteenth parade, which will step off
from the corner of St. Johns Street & Bladen Street at 11 a.m. Following the
parade, a two-day festival will take place at the Anne Arundel County fairgrounds.
==
And lastly, this past Friday we got to celebrate a great employee: Maria Brown,
who marked 50 years with the City. Maria began working at the City back when
Gerald Ford was President and everything was done with pen and paper. Over the
years, she has seen it all, from staff turnover, ten different mayors, to the
introduction of computers and a nearly all-digital workflow.
We were able to celebrate this milestone with Maria, her family, and colleagues -
