I am reaching out directly to all Saratogians to explain what is currently happening with the Saratoga Chapter of Black Lives Matter (BLM). The Office of Attorney General (OAG) recently issued a draft report alleging that certain public officials had an official policy of retaliating against BLM. Since this matter is subject to potential litigation, I will not comment further except to state the obvious which is the OAG will need to prove that statement in court.
During the recent public comment at City Hall, much was made about the OAG’s draft report and BLM’s anger was directed at me because I did correct an earlier draft of the report which contained material misrepresentations. I will always correct the record because the truth matters, and our democracy depends on the truth to survive.
At the last meeting, BLM, to its credit, protested, at least partly, in a manner that I felt was proper. They disagreed with me and voiced their displeasure by turning their backs. I support and applaud this first amendment right which did not disrupt the city council meeting.
Having said that, although I believe in BLM’s right to protest and demonstrate, I want to be clear that I disagree with their ongoing messages. At the last meeting, BLM used the somewhat concealed message, F*** 12, a message that means, F*** the police, as the 12 is a reference to the old TV show, Adam 12. I do not believe our police officers are PIGs or Murderers as BLM continues to claim. Further, I disagree with the idea of defunding and abolishing the police department as well as the idea that the United States of America is a terrorist state.
It is simply an honor to work daily with the men and women of our police department.
- Tim Coll, Public Safety Commissioner - Saratoga Springs
