Al Lawson; Violence against citizens and police must end – dialogue must begin

Al Lawson

Special to the Outlook

Calling the killings in Dallas, Texas, Milwaukee, WI., and Baton Rouge, La., “disheartening, “Al Lawson said, “Violence will not resolve the issues surrounding the actions of the misguided who abuse their authority by using deadly force. The unwarranted killing of anyone be it citizen, or police officer is an atrocity that tears at the soul of our society. Our job is to start the conversation that restores the humanity in our communities and ends the senseless killing that is destroying us.” Lawson, a former state senator seeking the Democratic nomination for Congressional District 5, said communities must begin serious discussions in an attempt to head off potential problems.

 
Lawson has been campaigning vigorously across the sprawling North Florida district. The result brought the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police July 12. He says he’s pleased to receive the endorsement which demonstrates his commitment to keeping our communities safe. He added that candid discussions would bring results for all communities and law enforcement so we can live without fear.

 
Lawson says serving the needs of the people of Congressional District 5 will remain the focus of his campaign for the Democratic nomination.

 
Lawson promised to run an aggressive campaign focused on the needs of constituents in the huge district. “I’m concentrating on a plan for the future to a broad constituency across North Florida. I’m campaigning as hard in Jacksonville as I am in Madison or Tallahassee. Representing District 5 is about discussing the future…jobs, expanding educational opportunities, saving social security, protecting communities, improving our quality of life and getting things done. I have a record of reaching across the aisle and providing effective leadership that helps people. Effective leadership is what we need now more than ever. “

 
Lawson served in both houses of the state legislature for nearly three decades. His legislative legacy includes appropriations of hundreds of millions of dollars to Florida A&M and Florida State Universities, Tallahassee Community College, environmental preservation programs and programs that protect working people. Lawson was elected Senate Democratic leader and dubbed the Dean of the Legislature.” He is best known for his ability to garner bipartisan support that gets results.