Essex Freeholder: "The Color of Your Skin Should Not Determine Whether You Live or Die."

In this statement, Essex County Freeholder Rolando Bobadilla of Newark expresses his dismay and frustration in response to the news that a Staten Island Grand Jury failed to issue an indictment of any kind in the tragic death of Eric Garner.

“I can’t personally tell you that I know what it is to be a black male in the Floridas, Missouris or Staten Islands of America. But I can tell you that as a minority, as a human being and as an American, today’s Grand Jury decision in the death of Eric Garner is a sad reminder of the state of injustice in this country.”

“The reason why there is so much distrust and anger in some communities is due in part to what many see as dual systems of justice –one that works for some, and another that works for none. Mr. Garner’s death was declared a homicide directly related to a banned chokehold initiated by a person with a badge. Clearly, our justice system has failed us again, and we as Americans need to ask serious questions about the Grand Jury process.”

“Sadly, despite being a strong supporter of law enforcement, it is my opinion that a badge should not immunize you from due justice, and the color of your skin should not determine whether you live or die.”

Bobadilla gave this statement during the Freeholder Comment portion of the Dec. 3 meeting of the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. A protest was held on Dec. 4 in Newark by local anti-violence organizations.

Freeholder Bobadilla, who was born in Honduras, immigrated with his family to the United States at the age of six, represents the North, East and parts of the Central and West wards of Newark.

Freeholder Bobadilla is currently serving his first term as the District 1 Freeholder, and was re-elected to his second three-year term last month. He currently serves as a Director for the North Ward Center, Inc., in Newark. He has an extensive background in information technology and earned his B. S. degree in Business from the City University of New York. He may be reached at 973-621-4477 or rbobadilla@freeholders.essexcountynj.org.