Top elected officials are not happy.
Frederick, Md (KM) Graffiti and stickers spewing racist and anti-Semitic messages were discovered in parts of the City of Frederick and Frederick County over the weekend, and elected officials are outraged.
In a statement, Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor says he woke Saturday morning to find these images posted throughout the city and the county. He says he directed the Public Works to remove all the spray painting, stickers and other materials as quickly as possible.
“These actions are counter to our community’s growth, as we continue to have honest and hard conversations and work to end racial injustice,” O’Connors said in his statement. “We, as a community, have work to do. This work requires all of us…..our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends and family members.”
County Executive Jan Gardner issued a statement saying these images are are “ugly and hateful” and “do not represent who we are and who were aspire to be.” She continues: “There simply is no room for racism or hate in our community.”
Mayor O’Connor said his administration is working to make Frederick an inclusive community. . “This graffiti displayed this weekend is not the Frederick we aspire to be,” he said. “I urge our community to continue with individual and collaborative reflection to identify and remove unconscious biases and to help build a community that is welcoming and just for all.”
The County Executive said it’s time for a change, and we need to do more than just remove stickers and graffiti. “I am filled with hope and optimism for meaningful change,:” she said. “But it is clear that this effort will need a broader conversion to change our hearts and minds.”
Gardner is holding a virtual town hall on racial equity on Monday, July 6th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
By Kevin McManus