During a recent government meeting, Soni George, a candidate for a local commission, shared his personal motivations and qualifications for the role, emphasizing the importance of community safety and engagement. George, a Montgomery County resident for nearly 20 years, recounted a traumatic experience where he and friends were robbed at gunpoint, which spurred him to take action. In response, he founded Secure Potomac, a citizen-driven campaign aimed at addressing safety concerns and fostering community dialogue.

George articulated his vision for the commission, focusing on data-driven approaches to policing that prioritize racial equity and social justice. He stressed the need for continuous community feedback to identify effective policing practices and to ensure that all voices, particularly from underrepresented communities, are heard. He proposed regular public forums to facilitate this engagement and to hold law enforcement accountable.

Addressing concerns about the current state of policing, George acknowledged the systemic issues affecting community trust in law enforcement, including staffing shortages within the police department. He advocated for a collaborative approach, suggesting that both police and social service professionals should respond to mental health crises, ensuring that trained individuals are present to handle such sensitive situations.

Council members expressed their support for George's candidacy, recognizing the value of his lived experiences and his proactive stance on public safety. They highlighted the importance of integrating community perspectives into policing policies to address documented disparities in outcomes for communities of color.

Overall, George's testimony underscored a commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive community through informed and collaborative efforts in policing and public safety.