At April 3’s city council meeting, mayor Tom Wieseler read a proclamation encouraging support of the inclusivity in Mount Vernon, to encourage protecting the civil liberties of Mount Vernon citizens regardless of their sex, creed, religion and marital status.
As Wieseler noted, he received no public comments, written or verbally, against said policy. Likewise, the newspaper received no letters opposed to the statement, either.
In a year that has been rocked with increased vitriol and targeting of trans identifying individuals, especially at our own state legislature and others across the country, it is very, very important.
Which is why the ask from citizens to the Mount Vernon City Council to try and do more is not wrong, either. If the council wants to lead the way on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts as was mentioned in late February/early March council meetings, taking the steps to investigate a policy for allowing displays in support is a good way to move that forward. To lead not just by proclamation, but by actual action on how important that inclusivity is to the council. That this community is one who does not agree wholeheartedly with legislation that is targeting marginalized people in our communities.
Yes, we agree with city administrator Chris Nosbisch that putting forward a policy like this may lead to challenges, to potential lawsuits. If the council is approaching this, it is best to let the city attorneys take the time to put forward a policy that will withstand challenges and give it the proper number of readings and hearings.
Yes, we agree with council member Scott Rose who did note that even with policies in place, the councils of the future may not agree with the language or policies that are put in place and possibly repeal that. That is what the election process is for, allowing us citizens to know where candidates stand on these issues and keep that in place if we so agree.
But we also agree with Aida Jones and Megan Jones that in this time where they are seeing people targeting them and their family, it is a balm to see groups standing with them with more outward signs of that support, especially in the community they call home.
Nosbisch encouraged citizens to attend the June 19 council meeting at Mount Vernon City Hall if they are in favor of the resolution or policy being discussed and for the Pride month declaration.