Snoqualmie council adopts city flag policy after debate over which flags to fly

The Snoqualmie City Council on July 28 adopted Resolution 17-22, approving a city flag policy that lists flags that may be displayed on city facilities and gives the mayor authority to direct when and where those flags are flown.

The policy establishes a list of flags that may be displayed on a permanent or temporary basis and says display decisions will be implemented "as directed and approved by the mayor," according to City Attorney Dina Burke. The council voted to adopt the resolution after discussion; the motion passed 5-2 with Councilor Vincent and Councilor Wotton recorded voting no.

Council discussion focused on three questions: whether the policy distinguishes between flags flown outside on the courtyard pole and flags displayed inside the council chamber or lobby; whether the mayor has blanket authority to order…