Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

I pray this information reaches you in the best of health and spirit. I wrote this open message with deep concern regarding the death of Mr. David Harris in Monroe Police custody and the Ellis Administration's refusal to offer condolences to the family. I must remind you that you are elected by the citizens of Monroe in your respective council districts. The City of Monroe is known by her people of all ethnicities, creed, class, religions and national origins. Therefore, when a member of the community feels an injustice or pain, it should be imperative as an elected official to speak to that pain and insure transparency when a member of the community experiences an injustice. Mr. David Harris died in South Monroe in MPD's custody. This death of Mr. David Harris has sparked protest and concern due to the fact the Monroe Police Department under Chief Victor Zordan and Mayor Oliver "Friday" Ellis' Administration chose to hide behind the fact that this death is under investigation. 7 months ago, the Monroe City Council approve the hiring of the new police chief however I asked at that October 27th City Council meeting, "what is his (Chief Zordan) position on police brutality?" Now we face this question concerning Mr. David Harris' death. The police report is flimsy and the refusal to release the body camera is very concerning. The agency that is investigating also raises speculation. If this investigation is not handled properly it will leave a cloud of distrust over you as council members, over the mayor and over his chief. I can understand why the attorneys are asking for a federal probe and that the Justice Department step in and take a look at police brutality and transparency within MPD. You all haven't even made it through your first year and it appears it will be a long hot summer. Finally, Proverbs 31: 8-9 reads, "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." Exodus 23: 1-3 reads, "You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice, nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit."