Commissioner criticizes mayor for declining Pride proclamation; public and commissioners debate recognition

A dispute over a mayoral proclamation drew public comment and commissioner remarks at the City of Lake Wales commission meeting.

Resident David Jones said he was “disappointed” that there was no proclamation recognizing Pride in June and criticized the mayor’s handling of proclamations. He called attention to local LGBT residents who he said contribute to the community and noted one Polk County resident’s national recognition for heroism. “For someone to say that there's nothing of social redeeming value coming out of the LGBT community, it is, disgraceful,” Jones said.

Commissioner Brenda Gillespie later addressed the issue during commission comments. She explained how proclamations are processed and said it is the mayor’s prerogative to approve proclamations. Gillespie said the city has traditionally issued such proclamations and that “I think that's a shame” the mayor declined this year, adding that members of the LGBT community make important contributions and that a proclamation would be appropriate.

No formal policy or procedural change was made at the meeting. Commissioners noted the mayor's authority to approve proclamations and no vote or ordinance was proposed to alter that process.