Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) released a statement after a prominent Deep River sign was defaced this week with offensive messages, including the use of racial slurs:
“This is reprehensible behavior that has no place in the Deep River community, or for that matter, any community. I denounce the messages left and the horrid beliefs they represent. Unfortunately, this is not the first incident of hate speech our region has seen. We must work toward a future where it doesn’t happen again.
I am encouraged that town officials, state officials, local clergy and local police are working together, not only to investigate this serious incident but to work on solutions. Our common experiences should bring the community together in light of those who seek to tear us apart.
Hatred has a real cost and exacts a heavy toll on our communities, especially when used to intimidate and hurt others. We must work together to find common solutions and togetherness, leaving those intending to divide and harm to languish in condemnation.”