There were fiery moments at Monday’s State of the City address in Hartford when protesters pressed Mayor Arunan Arulampalam for answers following two recent deadly police shootings. He also addressed priorities like childcare and addressed the school budget deficit in his speech
Protestors demanded accountability after two deadly police shootings in the past month of two men, Everard Walker and Steven Jones. Walker’s daughter, Menen, spoke directly to Arulampalam.
“I don’t want this to be swept under the rug because my father was a good man,” she said.
Arulampalam said the city will be as transparent as possible while the Office of the Inspector General investigates both shootings. He says he realizes the frustration over the lengthy process and understands the pain in the community.
“True justice can only be served through that process, and so we’re going to make sure that we continue to work through that process,” Arulampalam said.
Local pastor AJ Johnson says the anger present shows the need for Arulampalam to take action when possible.
“Our city needs to come together in this moment because we’re hurting. We’re hurting in a deep way,” he said.
During his speech, the mayor also addressed the need for the city’s school district to close a $74.5 million deficit, saying the city cannot place that burden on taxpayers. He said he’s working with the superintendent on solutions, such as identifying savings in the central office.
“Things we can back off as functions, we can combine, things like finance and HR and facilities,” Arulampalam said.
Superintendent Dr. Andraé Townsel is optimistic that the school district can find common ground with the city.
“I’m hopeful that we can put our heads together and fix this issue once and for all,” he said.
A major announcement was Arulampalam’s announcement that Hartford would eventually offer universal childcare in the city, the first in Connecticut to do so.
He said the city is working with state partners to make it happen and to address a big hurdle for families with children. Arulampalam explained that less than 40% of families are getting childcare from the city.
“It puts a strain on families. It’s incredibly important for the future development for children,” Arulampalam said.
Townsel said it will also help children entering the public school system.
“Universal childcare definitely adds value. If Hartford can lead the nation with that, that is second to none in my opinion,” he said.
Arulampalam said the universal childcare plans will be fleshed out in the months ahead. As for the public safety concerns, he will hold a town hall this Friday. It will be at the Hartford Public Library downtown, and anyone can attend.
