Representative Town Meeting sessions usually involve local budgets, contracts and resolutions.
Occasionally, the real world intrudes.
In the 1960s, the RTM made national headlines when it voted — controversially and closely — to condemn the Vietnam War.
Last night’s meeting addressed another international crisis. This was far less contentious.
After a moment of silence in support of Ukraine’s effort to remain a free state, the town’s legislative body passed — unanimously — a sense of the meeting resolution from member Sal Liccione stating: “We, the RTM, condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a free and independent nation, recognized by the United Nations.”
Late in the afternoon, former member Kristan Hamlin had emailed members, urging them to wear blue and/or yellow — the Ukrainian colors — to the Zoom meeting. Some did. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)
Some RTM members who had seen the email wore blue or yellow. (Screenshot/Peter Gold)
Thank you to the Westport RTM for passing the Sense of the Meeting that I drafted and submitted yesterday, condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Our RTM has, once again, lead with Westport’s values! I hope other town legislatures will follow Westport RTM’s excellent example of leadership on this issue!!
Good work, folks ! Also, thanks for the nice reminder about the opposition to the Viet Nam war.
Good for all, especially Kristan Hamlin.
Don Bergmann