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Speaker urges county to adopt nonbinding resolution calling for ceasefire and arms embargo
Summary
A resident urged the Washington County Board of Commissioners to adopt a nonbinding, values-based resolution calling for a ceasefire, release of hostages and an arms embargo on Israel; the board did not act and previously indicated it does not engage in foreign policy.
A Washington County resident asked the board on Sept. 16 to adopt a nonbinding, values-based resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian groups, the release of all hostages and an arms embargo on Israel.
Charlie Henderson, who testified virtually, argued the board should speak out and called on the county to adopt a statement. Henderson referenced “breaking news” that a U.N. commission had declared the situation a genocide, and he urged a county statement because, he said, remaining silent conflicted with the county’s stated values.
Henderson acknowledged the board’s earlier guidance that foreign policy is not normally within county responsibilities and said he was not asking for punitive measures; instead he requested a nonbinding resolution or statement that would call for a ceasefire, release of hostages and an arms embargo. He said such a statement would be symbolic and nonpunitive while showing leadership.
The board made no policy change at the Sept. 16 business meeting on this item; in prior meetings the chair had advised that foreign policy issues fall outside the county’s portfolio.
