To the Editor:
As a mother, wife, sister and Navy Veteran, I am sickened that Bryan Wolfe, candidate for Fairfax County Sheriff would exploit the death of an African American woman who died in police custody for political gain. This is downright despicable and goes directly to the heart of his character. Natasha McKenna’s death was tragic and unfortunate, which everyone has acknowledged, including current Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid, who is actively investigating the matter. But for Wolfe to include the photograph of this young woman on his campaign literature, I feel, is distasteful and disrespectful to her memory.
Reminding voters of McKenna’s untimely death in a Fairfax County jail does not automatically translate into Wolfe being a better candidate. The fact that he would insult the electorate by his misuse of her picture on his campaign literature is unfair, at best, and at worst, reprehensible. It also is extremely insensitive, particularly to the African American community, who has historically (and disproportionately) been the victims of police brutality and violence at the hands of police around the country. Given the increasing national dissatisfaction with local police forces, which in some cases has led to riots and other unrest, these “pamphlets” do little to diffuse the situation and promote a positive, constructive dialogue.
I implore you Mr. Wolfe, if you are truly the better candidate, to find a better way to plead your case to the voters of Fairfax County. I served in the military just as you did and there is nothing honorable about the campaign you are currently running.
Kia Thomas Hamel
US Navy Veteran and Fairfax County Voter