Verona council approves yearlong display of progress pride flag after hours of public comment

The Verona Common Council on Monday approved Resolution 24-033 to publicly support the LGBTQIA+ community and fly the progress pride flag at designated city facilities during 2025, following nearly an hour and a half of public comment and extended council discussion.

Supporters, including students, parents, faith leaders and members of local advocacy groups, told the council the flag would make LGBTQIA+ residents — particularly young people and elders — feel seen and safer in Verona. Opponents said flying the flag year-round would single out one group and risk divisiveness. The council approved the motion by voice vote after Ald. Helmke moved to adopt the resolution and Ald. Harrison seconded the motion.

The resolution is framed as a symbolic, cost-neutral action: Mayor (name on file with city) said the progress flags are donated under existing city policy and “they're not paid for out of public money. The city of Verona flies the American flag, always have and always will.” The mayor said flying the progress flag does not remove other flags or symbols from city poles.

Why it matters: speakers cited research and local experience to explain why the gesture matters to public safety and community well‑being. Ald. Helmke summarized national data, citing a Trevor Project study and recent increases in crisis contacts: she said communities with greater acceptance have lower suicide-attempt rates and that the nonprofit experienced a sharp rise in outreach, which she framed as a reason Verona should act locally. Several speakers described the flag as an accessible, visible sign that municipal government recognizes and supports LGBTQIA+ residents.

Public comment highlights

- Beth Foss (Verona resident) opposed the resolution in public comment, arguing the city flagpoles should “stand for truth” and not “celebrate one group of people over another.” She asked the council to “leave the city flagpoles to stand for truth and to not be celebrating one group of people over another, especially for such an extended period of time.”

- Rex Malowski (Verona student) said, “I'm gay. I'm proud of that,” and told the council students at his high school would feel safer and more visible if the city flew the progressive flag.

- Anna Meyer (junior, Verona Area High School; GSA president) said the flag is “a reminder of your safety and that you're welcome somewhere,” and described how small signals of inclusion make students more likely to open up and seek help.

- Several faith leaders, parents and senior residents argued for the resolution. Pastor Phil Hobson, who said he serves as a local pastor, described pastoral experience with the harms of non-affirmation and urged support for the measure.

Council discussion and context

Council members who spoke emphasized that flying the flag was intended as an inclusive, local statement rather than a political stance. Ald. Mara Helmke (first reference, Ald. Helmke) framed the resolution as an evidence-informed step to reduce harm; she cited the Trevor Project statistics discussed during public comment. Ald. Posey and Ald. Tucker Long said the resolution was only one step and pledged follow-up actions to support LGBTQIA+ residents. Ald. Raithwaite reviewed the city commemorative-flag policy: up to two commemorative flags may be flown at city facilities and the council retains authority to set duration.

Several commenters and council members also raised concerns about vandalism and backlash. Ald. Posey noted that when the flag was flown previously there were messages of hate left on flagpoles and urged residents to be respectful.

Formal action

- Motion: Approve Resolution 24-033, to publicly support the LGBTQIA+ community and fly the progress pride flag at designated city facilities in 2025. - Mover: Ald. Helmke. Second: Ald. Harrison. - Outcome: Motion approved by voice vote. - Notes: Mayor and council members clarified flags would be donated under the city’s commemorative-flag policy and not paid from city funds.

Community impact and next steps

Supporters described the display as a low-cost, high-visibility step that could have outsized benefits for young people and isolated elders. Opponents urged broader community engagement and alternatives to a yearlong flag display. Council members who supported the resolution said they expected further steps — outreach, programming and partnerships — to follow in 2025.

The action concluded the mayor’s business item; council members shifted to the rest of the agenda after the vote.