Hope City Board Called Meeting
The Hope City Board held a special called meeting Thursday (12-5) at noon to address some controversy after the board voted to remove two lighted U.S. flags from the Christmas decorations in downtown Hope. The decision to remove the flags came after questions from the board about the use of the lighted flags in Christmas decoration displays at the depot and the pocket park.
Mayor Don Still opened with a prepared statement about the situation and noted that he thinks it was a mistake to remove the lighted flags. He noted the flags were removed after some comments that the lighted displays might be construed as a political statement. Board member Mark Ross, a veteran, also offered a prepared statement. He explained the significance of the red, white,and blue in the flag and also noted that on a flight back from his wartime duties he shared a plane with 40 flag covered coffins of fallen soldiers and he advocated the flags be rehung.
Vice -Mayor Kiffinea Talley noted she is a patriot and her concerns were more towards the lighted flags be used during patriotic holidays. Dr. Linda Clark said her concerns were more that there might be something used more appropriate for Christmas and noted her intentions were good. Board member Steve Montgomery said he understood the concerns and sometimes the board doesn’t get it right the first time but hear the public concerns.
Board member Mark Ross moved the lighted flags be reinstated downtown and Steve Montgomery seconded. County Judge Jerry Crane said he felt the flag should always fly despite any other decorations. Judge Crane’s heartfelt sentiments drew enthusiastic applause. Retired Col. David Lively noted “we should not even e having this conversation” in Hope. He also noted the contributions of the soldiers honored at the old courthouse and he would be willing to pay to reinstate the flags. Judge Crane also told Vice -Mayor Talley he wasn’t upset with her concerns. Vice Mayor Talley reiterated she didn’t know who put it up and wanted to know who put it on public property. She also wanted to know why it wasn’t used for patriotic holidays. Merchant Bob Erwin wanted to know why the board didn’t know who put it up. Another person questioned why it would matter who put it up and Mayor Still noted what goes on public property has to go through channels. Mark Ross agreed with Judge Crane that such a public meeting with freely offered opinions would not be allowed in other countries. James Zumwalt also offered comments. Vice -Mayor Talley noted at the previous meeting the board was told the parks department couldn’t always get it up at other times and donating the flags to the downtown network or the beautification committee to make sure they’re up at other appropriate holidays. Ross also noted the city owns the flags that are put up in July and suggested the city beautification be in charge of them as they are city property. Parks Director Summer Chambers noted the lighted flags were suggested by a staff member originally from Kosevo. That staffer recently became a naturalized citizen. Montgomery asked for clarification on policy of allowing decorations on city property. It was noted the city allows the downtown network, the Chamber of Commerce, and the beautification committee to put up decorations.
The motion passed to put the flags back up with all present board members voting yes except for Vice -Mayor Talley who abstained.
Mayor Still thanked those who attended and the meeting adjourned.
