Committee narrows flags allowed on county-owned flagpoles to U.S., New York and POW/MIA flags

The Warren County Legislative Rules and Governmental Operations Committee voted May 1 to limit displays on county-owned flagpoles to the U.S. flag, the New York State flag and the POW/MIA flag, following public comment from Lower Adirondack Pride and extended discussion among supervisors about balancing inclusivity and administrative clarity.

Supervisor Turner, speaking on behalf of Lower Adirondack Pride, urged the committee to allow a designated flagpole for community flags such as the Pride flag in June and said the county’s tourism relies in part on LGBTQ+ visitors: “we ... truly believe we need to look at supporting diversity in our county.” Turner also said other counties and the New York State Capitol fly the Pride flag.

Committee members raised concerns about how the county would decide which groups could display flags and whether permitting community flags would create conflicts. Supervisor Thomas warned of the “slippery slope” of allowing flags from groups some residents find objectionable: “Well, or Hamas or the stars and bars of the Confederate flag, what's gonna be your answer then because first amendment is first amendment.” Other supervisors suggested creating written policy and designating a separate flagpole for community groups, as the city of Glens Falls has done at Crandall Park.

After debate, the committee amended the proposed resolution to specify “currently owned county flagpoles” and explicitly add the New York State flag to the permitted list. A motion to forward the amended policy to the full Board of Supervisors for further consideration was discussed; the committee then approved the amendment and passed the item by voice vote. The committee’s action records the committee’s current policy preference; implementation details, including administrative rules for requests by outside groups and whether other county‑owned flagpoles (for example, at parks or municipal properties) are affected, will be set out administratively.

The committee heard a written request from Lower Adirondack Pride asking the board to postpone action; the group’s leader told members they requested more time. Several supervisors said they supported further research and the development of a policy to govern future requests so as to avoid ad hoc decisions.

The committee did not produce a roll‑call tally during the meeting; the chair declared the motion passed by voice vote and the item will be carried to the next board meeting for any further action.