Dear Lucas,
You may have heard about an intense mayoral forum last night hosted by the Daily News and Metro/IAF. One of the issues we focused on was Stop-and-Frisk and the need to maintain public safety in our neighborhoods while respecting the civil liberties of all New Yorkers.
For me, this is not a political issue.
It's personal.
I often talk about conversations with my stepson about what to do when stopped by a police officer. When my son asked: "If I'm not doing anything wrong, why would I be stopped?" I was taken aback. How do I explain to my son that the reason he'd be stopped is because he's Black and lives in Harlem?
I have pledged to my son – and to all New Yorkers – that when I'm Mayor, I will keep our city safe without stigmatizing Black and Latino young men. We're a great city, and I know we can do it, together.
Thanks for your ongoing support. Please take a moment to read a couple of stories below.
New York Magazine: Bill Thompson Makes Stop-and-Frisk a Personal Issue in Mayoral Race
Wall Street Journal: At Mayoral Forum, Flash of Anger From Thompson
Here's a clip from the Mayoral Forum
Yours truly,
