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Gov. Carney says he is 'recommitted' to addressing inequities in Delaware’s communities of color

Delaware Public Media

Gov. John Carney spoke Tuesday in response to protests across the state against police violence and the death of George Floyd—an unarmed black man who died while in police custody in Minneapolis.

Carney referenced demonstrations in Wilmington and Dover that each ended with violence and looting, as well as peaceful protests in Seaford and Rehoboth.

Carney cited the coronavirus pandemic as having “laid bare” societal inequities in public health, housing and employment in Delaware communties of color. He added that violence is never the answer.

“We should be motivated by the fact that if we’re going to make progress, we can only do it working together peacefully and through the democratic system that we’re privileged to be part of,” Carney said.  

Carney mentioned childhood education as being a potential solution to social and economic problems.

“When I was privileged enough to be elected governor, that was one of the things that I wanted to address. That was at the top of my list, so to speak, and continues to be,” said Carney. “I have the same frustrations—from a different perspective, obviously—about our inability to make as much progress as I would like.”

Carney says the state is looking into assistance for small businesses damaged during the riots, but adds resources are scarce.

Delaware Emergency Management Director AJ Schall says the state is working with New Castle County and the city of Wilmington to assess the damage caused during the protests to potentially make a disaster declaration and request federal aid through the Small Business Administration.

But he admits the amount of damage may be too low.

“I think the numbers are going to be a little low, but we’re going to put together the metrics we can to try to put it up there to get a little help,” said Schall.

Carney also responded to a call between President Trump and state Governors Monday in which Trump urged state leaders to "dominate" to prevent further violent demonstration.

“I just thought that it wasn’t what we needed at the national level at that juncture,” said Carney. “[State and local officials] are looking for a leader who’s going to try to tone things down and take some of the steam out and get everyone calm and relaxed as opposed to language that seems to add heat to the situation.”

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