A recent Carbondale arrest involving a Black man that is wending its way through the municipal court system has raised questions about police discretion in the matter and alleged racial bias. The situation even prompted a message from the town’s mayor ahead of a Monday afternoon court hearing where some residents have urged a public protest against the charges and a show of support for Michael Francisco. “I would ask that we all approach this situation thoughtfully, and with due consideration, until we all reach a better collective understanding,” Carbondale Mayor Dan Richardson wrote in a statement posted to the town’s Public Works Facebook page