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| Hudson Pride Parade 2013 |
Then bizarrely, at its July 21 meeting, with two-thirds of the month already over, the Common Council passed a resolution "recognizing and celebrating July as LGBTQ Pride Month in Hudson." Although the title of the resolution named July as Pride Month in Hudson, the final "Let It Be Resolved" paragraph, said June was LGBTQ Pride Month in Hudson. This caused some confusion among the aldermen, but the resolution passed unanimously. Before casting his yes vote, however, Alderman Malachi Walker (Fourth Ward) said, "Morally I may not participate in it, but I don't want to offend anyone."
Recently, Gossips learned some of the backstory of this resolution. The omission was brought to the attention of the mayor and the Common Council on July 2, in an email from former First Ward alderman Rob Bujan. Mayor Kamal Johnson replied that he had acknowledged Pride Month on his page on the City of Hudson website and suggested that a resolution could be prepared for the Council to consider in July. The resolution, which was one of ten that had not been introduced at the informal meeting but were presented for the first time at the regular Council meeting on July 21, was a revision of an original version, which devoted more time to explaining why the resolution had not been done in a timely fashion than to acknowledging why it is important to recognize June as LGBTQ Pride Month in Hudson.
On Wednesday, the day after the Council meeting, Bujan sent an email to the Common Council expressing his disappointment with the manner in which the situation was handled. That letter has been posted on the City of Hudson website as one of the documents for the August 10 informal meeting. Attached to the July 22 email is Bujan's correspondence with mayor and the Council on the matter and the resolution as it was originally drafted.
COPYRIGHT 2020 CAROLE OSTERINK
This was a tremendous disappointment to watch. The cavalier manner in which it was handled was an indicator of how little import the gesture held. June is PRIDE. Declaring July, because it was forgotten in June, and then still only doing it during the last week of July clearly let us know it didn't matter. While pride is lovely, and fun, and generally is dressed in bright rainbow colors, it is about so much more, and at a time we are confronting systemic racism, to forget this fight, and the oppression of queer people, especially queer and trans people of color, and Black leaders like Marsha P Johnson is unacceptable, and hurtful to large queer community who call Hudson home.
ReplyDeleteI'd lay this at the feet of Tom DiPietro, but the entire CC knows that June is Pride Month for our LGBTQ community. It has been for years. Why did it take Rob Bujan to bring the omission up to the CC for some kind of recognition? Clearly arguing about Galloway's PILOT is more important than letting people know Hudson is an inclusive community. Shame on all of them!
ReplyDeleteMalachi Walker needs to understand a number of things.
ReplyDelete1. This years Pride March in NYC which is attended by more than 1 million was dedicated to Black Lives Matter.
2. LGBTQ people are some of the strongest supporters of BLM and are regularly the 2nd biggest contingent at BLM demonstrations.
3. Black religious leaders like Rev William Barber and Rev Al Sharpton are fully supportive of LGBTQ people and understand that the fight for our rights is completely intertwined.
Please take a look at https://bit.ly/RevBarberOnLGBTQ
This following comment from a reader whose identity is known to Gossips was submitted by email:
ReplyDeleteThanks to the tireless efforts of those in the LGBTQ+ community, Hudson is a safe place for us to buy homes, develop non-profits, start businesses, employ community members, and work for local establishments. We volunteer for a diverse range of organizations and help with fundraisers for those in need. Some of us even provide low-income housing. We hold elected offices within Hudson and in Columbia County. We are Democrats, we are Republicans, and we are everything in between. We are not just artists, antique dealers, and restaurant owners. We hire contractors, roofers, plumbers, gardeners, and some of us are contractors, roofers, plumbers, and gardeners. We are ingrained in the fabric of Hudson, NY.
The homophobic remark that Alderman Walker blurted out before he held his nose and voted yes on a resolution acknowledging the LGBTQ Community was shocking. So proud that his comment will now be in the public record of Common Council meeting notes for the City of Hudson.
Mr. Walker should have used his inside voice to express his discomfort regarding the LGBTQ community and simply voted yes on the resolution. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Comments like Mr. Walker's does nothing to support us. What it does do is subliminally show government support for that type of negative commentary.
He might as well expressed his true feelings and just voted no. I think we would all rather have a solid No than a half-assed Yes.
Voting yes because you don't want to offend anyone is a troublesome statement, and it makes me wonder what else Mr. Walker has or is going to vote yes or no on as to "not offend anyone."
The fact that the Mayor and Common Council couldn't get their act together to do this right is not surprising at all. Yes, it's been a very long year, and we are only halfway through it. Signing a one-page resolution that is a copy and paste year after year was the easiest thing they could have done on time. The fact that no one even noticed until July indeed underscores the lack of representation within the Hudson City government. We are so much more than a parade.
As only half of the communication made it to the city's website, I have asked the city to add the full communication for the public record, since the CC President requested the city attorney respond to me, on the President's behalf.
ReplyDeletePart 1
Dear Mr. Bujan:
Council President DePietro has asked me to respond to your email below.
First, to the extent that you are critical of the contents of the resolution or it’s initial draft, those criticisms should be directed to me as I was the author of the original draft. I am sure that the resolution could have been better written. I could have gone into greater detail about the history of LGBTQ discrimination and struggles for equality. I reviewed similar proclamations from other cities and incorporated relevant portions trying to keep the resolution brief as is the general practice of the Council.
The timing of the resolution was not a function of disinterest by the Council, but the consequence of an unprecedented time in the City dealing with the myriad issues from the pandemic and protests against systemic racism. The recognition of those issues in my initial draft of the resolution was not an attempt to “politize” those issues as you allege. They were referenced to acknowledge the reality that caused the delay in the resolution. And the reason it was not on the informal July 13 agenda was because I had forgotten to draft it by that meeting. That oversight was pointed out shortly after the meeting and I then prepared the resolution for July 21st.
You should know that I am well aware of the harassment, discrimination and violence endured by LGBTQ persons. Both of my children are members of the LGBTQ community and have suffered harassment and the sense of insecurity that you have described. I drafted that resolution with them very much in mind. Should I have included a stronger statement recognizing past and current discrimination and made a clear statement against violence? Maybe. That’s a fair criticism, but the omission was not intentional and the absence of a clearer statement does not mean that the Council condones harassment or violence.
I do take strong exception to your criticism of how the Council handled the discussion of this resolution last night. I believe it was stated by President DePietro that unfortunately the resolution should have been presented earlier. The fact that each Alderperson failed to effusively state their apology also, does not mean that the sentiment wasn’t supported. Your criticism of Alderperson Walker is also unfair. Alderperson Walker expressed his religious objections to LGBTQ issues in general. Nevertheless, he voted for the resolution. His courage and integrity for voting that way should be commended not criticized. Alderperson Walker recognized that his personal religious beliefs should not bar him from fulfilling his oath to treat all persons equally in the course of his duties and to not discriminate against those who do not conform to the precepts of his religion. By voting as he did, he followed in the practice of Catholic office holders who support a woman’s right to choose and access to abortion notwithstanding their contrary religious beliefs.
Finally, it must be noted that this may be the first PRIDE month resolution ever presented or adopted by the Common Council. I am not aware of any previous resolution. So, while you believe there should have been a more thorough discussion or that the resolution could be better drafted, those are points that can be considered in future resolutions. I am sure the Council would appreciate your input next year when it considers another PRIDE month resolution. In the meantime, actions are more important than commemorative resolutions. The Council will continue addressing issues that improve the life of all residents of Hudson, including the LGBTQ community.
Jeffrey S. Baker, Esq.
Assistant Corporation Counsel
City of Hudson
Part 2
ReplyDeleterob bujanjr
Jul 23, 2020, 6:56 AM (2 days ago)
to Jeffrey, Tom, Eileen, Dewan, Jane, John, Rebecca, Jr., Dominic, Malachi, Tiffany, Shershah, Kamal, Michael, BarrettD@assembly.state.ny.us, jordan@nysenate.gov, Cheryl
I find it somewhat strange the Council feels the need to escalate this and refer this to the city attorney, because of a simple ask of a resolution that the Council failed to deliver on.
Mr. Baker - I think it's my right to engage my elected officials and hold them accountable, considering those officials said they would ensure a resolution occurred. I also don't think the City Attorney needs to tell me who to commend or not when it comes to me being gay and part of the LGBTQ world.
For those on the Council who did reach out, thank you. I appreciate the conversation. Since the Council President can't seem to debate or engage with me in a mature fashion, I hope the rest of the Council can find it within themselves to do so. I will not be discouraged by the City from continuing to engage local government, despite this.
Cheryl, I hope that the city is not paying for Mr. Baker's time in responding to this. Because if my tax dollars are being used to argue we me about a gay resolution, that's incredibly ironic in a sad way.
Rob
Rob Bujan
P.O. Box 1238
Hudson NY 12534
(917) 514-9462
part 3
ReplyDeleteTom DePietro
Thu, Jul 23, 9:53 AM (2 days ago)
to me, Jeffrey, Eileen, Dewan, Jane, John, Rebecca, Jr., Dominic, Malachi, Tiffany, Shershah, Kamal, Michael, BarrettD@assembly.state.ny.us, jordan@nysenate.gov, Cheryl
Rob,
First off, thank you for bringing this to the Common Council's attention and for championing the cause. LGBTQ+ rights are a top priority and we must strive to communicate that.
Secondly, I am sorry that we did not pass this prior to June. With the COVID-19 health and economic crisis, we've be unusually busy charting unprecedented waters. But that is still not an excuse for not recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride month.
I had heard that the Hudson Pride parade was being rescheduled for the fall, although I'm not sure if it is still on. If not, I hope we can find a way to celebrate our rich LGBTQ+ community in Hudson; I know this council would be very open to ideas.
Lastly, I want to state clearly that my support for the LGBTQ+ community is and always has been steadfast. I am always open to ideas on how we as a city can better support our residents and visitors.
Best,
Thomas DePietro
Common Council President
520 Warren Street
City of Hudson, New York 12534
518-828-1030, ex.114
Cell: 914-584-5373
Cheryl Roberts
Jul 23, 2020, 11:42 AM (2 days ago)
to Tom, me, Kamal, Jeffrey, Eileen, Dewan, Jane, John, Rebecca, Jr., Dominic, Malachi, Tiffany, Shershah, Michael, BarrettD@assembly.state.ny.us, jordan@nysenate.gov
Mr. Bujan,
Thank you for your email.
I discussed the matter with Mr. Baker who informed me that he was asked to respond to your email by Common Council President DePietro and that the email was reviewed before it was sent.
Among other responsibilities, Mr. Baker staffs the Common Council and assists Common Council President DePietro. He is paid on salary and his writing this letter had no additional fiscal impact to the City.
I hope this explanation and Common Council President DePietro’s email addresses your concerns and I will only add that COVID has made what are typically very demanding government jobs even harder, in fact, there are days when it is simply impossible to get everything done that needs doing. I know both Jeff and Tom personally, and am confident that their actions in this instance in no way reflected any lack of respect for or concern about the LGBTQ+ community and the issues its members face on a daily basis. June 2021 cannot come fast enough for them or any of us, with the hope that it will be safe to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month and more in Hudson.
Should you have additional concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Cheryl
Cheryl Roberts, Esq.
Corporation Counsel
City of Hudson
520 Warren Street
Hudson, New York 12534
(518) 929-0631
rob bujanjr
Jul 23, 2020, 2:52 PM (2 days ago)
to Cheryl, Tom, Kamal, Jeffrey, Eileen, Dewan, Jane, John, Rebecca, Jr., Dominic, Malachi, Tiffany, Shershah, Michael, BarrettD@assembly.state.ny.us, jordan@nysenate.gov
Thanks - appreciate your input and clarification on this.
-rob
Rob Bujan
P.O. Box 1238
To Mr. Baker:
ReplyDelete"disinterest" describes non-partisanship, not having a dog in the fight. It is not the same as lack of interest or concern. I hope your sloppy grasp of the english language is not related to a sloppy grasp of the issues at hand
Had the Council President felt the need to respond directly to Rob Bujan he should have done that. The fact that he passed it on to the Council’s attorney is totally pathetic.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the attorneys comments regarding Mr Walker and his vote. The members of the LGBTQ+ community decide who should be criticized and who gets commended. His comparison to Catholic elected officials is outrageous of course. Because leaders lead. Voting (or making statements) against the equal rights of others while using your religion as cover was wrong when Catholic officials did it and it was wrong in this instance as well. It’s a shame that an African-American elected official, doesn’t get the parallels in our struggles. Our enemies are the same. I never met a racist that was cool with the gays and vice versa. Recently the size of Mr Walker’s LGBTQ+ constituency has dramatically grown in his district. He has offended them all. I wish I had been in the room when he stated that he “ didn’t want to offend anyone”. I’d have said “too late, you just did”.