Clark County council calls for respect, courtesy

The Clark County Council on Tuesday passed a Unity Resolution calling for “residents, community organizations and public officials to engage in civic discourse with respect, courtesy, and a shared commitment to the safety and dignity of all members of the community.”

Only District 2 Councilor Michelle Belkot did not sign the resolution.

Introduced in February, the resolution also condemns political violence in all forms and commits the council to reviewing the code of conduct for council members and members of all county boards and commissions.

“The council will also make efforts to ensure that county boards and commissions reflect the community they serve to hear broadly from all parts of Clark County,” the resolution states.

When the resolution was first presented to the council at the Feb. 25 meeting, Councilor Glen Yung said the timing was ideal.

“We have had some really divisive conversations with the community in our hearing room. We’ve all got to work past our differences and realize we’re all humans, we’re all people, and we all have different views and perspectives and that is OK,” he said during the meeting.

This is the third resolution in less than six months adopted by the county council addressing political violence. In October, the council approved a resolution condemning political violence following the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk a month earlier. Another resolution criticizing the recent actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents approved Feb. 17 also supported the right to free speech and peaceful assembly.

“The council affirms its commitment to the constitutional rights of all residents of all walks of life, including freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and participation in civic life and live a healthy and thriving life in Clark County,” the Unity Resolution states.

The resolution was drafted with assistance from the Southwest Washington Equity Coalition and NAACP, among others.