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City council approves permanent Texas and Republic of the Rio Grande flags; split on adding Texas pledge
Summary
The council voted to install a permanent Texas flag and a Republic of the Rio Grande flag in council chambers and to begin reciting the Texas pledge at meetings; at least one member opposed adding the pledge on constitutional grounds.
The Laredo City Council on Sept. 15 approved a motion to install a permanent Texas flag and a Republic of the Rio Grande flag inside council chambers and to incorporate the Texas pledge into the opening of future council meetings.
Lede: Mayor Victor D. Trevino proposed adding a permanent Texas flag and reciting the Texas pledge as part of the council opening; the council approved the motion after discussion about local custom and legal implications.
Nut graf: Supporters said the change recognizes Laredo’s identity as a Texas city and the region’s unique history; opponents cautioned that reciting a state pledge at a city council meeting raises questions about local allegiance and the proper role of a municipal body. The council approved the motion by voice vote; one council member publicly recorded opposition to incorporating the Texas pledge.
What council members said: Mayor Trevino proposed the text “Honor the Texas flag, I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible” and asked for a permanent Texas flag in chambers. Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Perez and other supporters said they had experience reciting the Texas pledge in schools and viewed the change as customary. Council Member Tyler King said he supported display of the Texas and Republic of the Rio Grande flags but explicitly opposed adding the Texas pledge at a municipal meeting, saying his oath is to the U.S. Constitution and he did not believe local government should use a state pledge.
Outcome: The motion passed on a voice vote. The meeting record shows both recorded “Aye” votes and at least one recorded “opposed” voiced by a council member during roll call on the motion.
Context and limits: Council discussion noted the Republic of the Rio Grande flag as a historical symbol unique to the city. The council did not adopt a written policy in the meeting text about pledge wording, placement of flags or frequency of recitation beyond the motion instructing installation and incorporation at the start of meetings.
Ending: City staff will implement the changes ordered by the council; the council did not specify scheduling details during the Sept. 15 meeting.
