A 'step for effective change': West Haven votes to declare racism a public health crisis
Pam McLoughlin
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West Haven City HallHearst Connecticut Media file
WEST HAVEN — The City Council joined at least 19 other municipalities in the state unanimously passing a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis in the city.
Mayor Nancy R. Rossi called it a “living, breathing document,” that can be changed monthly or quarterly.
Council Majority Leader Robbin Watt Hamilton, D-5, called it a “very sensitive, emotional resolution.”
“It’s a long time coming,” she said.
The resolution’s creation was a monthslong process with vast input and overseen by the West Haven Community Alliance, a nine-member committee established by Rossi and led by City Council member and civil rights activist Treneé McGee, D-7. The committee includes Police Chief Joseph Perno and Deputy Chief Carl Flemmig.