The accusation that a Black or brown person is not “qualified” or does not have the “expertise” for a position of power is one of the oldest dog whistles in the book.

This microaggression is a painful reminder of the institutionalized racism that still exists throughout every system and structure in our country, and it should be disavowed entirely.

Executive Councillor Andru Volinsky’s record does not absolve him of bias. It is disappointing that he has chosen to resort to personal attacks against yet another Black man seeking a position of power, instead of focusing on differences in policy.

Volinsky’s tone deaf comments and repeated deployment of racist dog whistles is a problem that transcends party lines. Gov. Chris Sununu is taking full advantage of a movement that is about centering Black lives to further his own personal interests. It is unconscionable that any Governor who creates a Commission on Police Accountability and Transparency would in a similar breath argue that systemic racism does not exist within our law enforcement agencies. No amount of pandering in an election year will absolve Governor Sununu or Councillor Volinsky of accountability on the issue of racial justice.

Black residents of New Hampshire deserve better from any candidate aspiring to become our next governor.

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