Former President Donald Trump may not have exactly followed through when he said he was going to have a unifying message for the country on the evening of Thursday, July 18; however, just hours before Trump spoke that night, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners did, in no uncertain terms, call for unity and non-violence for those living inside and outside of Guilford County.

Led by Republican Commissioner Pat Tillman, who crafted the document, the commissioners adopted the “Unity Statement Against Political Violence” five days after a bullet passed just inches away from taking the life of the former president and the man who potentially will be the next president.

At the July 18 commissioners meeting, Tillman thanked his fellow commissioners for supporting the statement and for offering input that helped shape it.

Tillman said that it really speaks volumes how a tragic occurrence can be such an eye-opening event.

“I think that we probably take safety and all those things for granted when we go to rallies ourselves, and many of us have been to those multiple times,” he said at the meeting.

Tillman added that he believes this is a real opportunity for healing and coming together and it’s important for elected officials in Guilford County and across the country to be unified against violence.

Tillman said that words and rhetoric really do have an impact on society and he added that he appreciated the support of his fellow commissioners on the item.

One of the most amazing changes in Guilford County government this century has been when it comes to the security of the commissioners and security across Guilford County government. A decade and a half ago, large meetings sometimes had former Guilford County Security Director Jeff Fowler and one other security guard as the board’s sole protection, and now there are often between 8 and 10 security officers at regular meetings.

 By the end of some meetings, there are more security guards than there are people in the audience.

Also, the Old Guilford County Court House in downtown Greensboro – the nerve center of  Guilford County government – now has a manned guard station in the middle of the first floor.

The statement begins, “In these challenging times, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners stands united in our unwavering support for civility, the democratic process and the sanctity of every citizen’s voice. Our political system thrives on the foundation that, despite our philosophical and party differences, everyone is granted a voice in shaping our collective future. We firmly denounce any form of political violence, which undermines the principles that make our democracy strong.”

The statement goes on to note that the board embraces the ideals of “One Guilford,” where, in this county, the leaders work out their differences “through ideas, policies and dialogue: not through acts of aggression.”

 It adds that the fact that the July 13 assassination attempt at Trump’s campaign rally took the life of an innocent bystander underscores the need for everyone to act.

“We call upon our community to come together, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect, ensuring that our county remains a beacon of democratic integrity,” the statement reads.

It concludes that Guilford County’s strength – and the strength of people across the country – “lies in our ability to listen, engage, and vote, reinforcing the values that bind us as a community.”

The statement said that the people of this country can overcome any challenges using the principles of democracy and peace.