League of California Cities Commends Those Who Ensured Democracy Prevailed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kayla Woods
Cell: (530) 844-1744, kwoods@calcities.org

Sacramento – Following the presidential inauguration, the League of California Cities Officers issued a statement standing firmly behind the nation’s electoral process and peaceful transition of power, while condemning the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol and threats against local and state governments:

“Like so many Americans and people around the world, we watched in horror and disbelief as a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, intent on disrupting our sacred electoral process and the peaceful transfer of power, a hallmark of our great country for nearly two and a half centuries. We condemn these acts of violence and the assault on the very foundation of our republic, and those responsible must be held to account.

“The attack and subsequent threats to state and local seats of government across the country have left many questioning the resiliency of our democratic institutions. Let us not forget, that in the face of these threats, our democracy prevailed, as we witnessed today with the official transfer of power.

“We are grateful to all those at the local, state, and federal level who ensured our democratic institutions worked as intended – from local election officials, public servants, and law enforcement to individual voters. We are proud of our city leaders who have worked around the clock with state and federal partners to protect our residents, civic institutions, and local democracy from continued threats. 

“While democracy triumphed, this dark juncture in our history reminds us all of its fragility and that words matter. It also exposed, once again, the harsh realities of systemic racism in this country. The initial response to mostly white rioters breaching the U.S. Capitol was in stark contrast to the aggressive police action that met mostly Black protestors marching for racial justice in the streets last summer.

“Our democracy is resilient. However, there is much work to be done to heal the divisions in our nation. As city leaders, we are confident that by coming together to overcome the challenges that lie before us, we can build bridges and move forward stronger.”

League of California Cities Officers:
President Cheryl Viegas Walker, Mayor, El Centro
First Vice President Cindy Silva, Council Member, Walnut Creek
Second Vice President Ali Sajjad Taj, Council Member, Artesia
Immediate Past President John F. Dunbar, Mayor, Yountville 

Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials.