Ballston Spa trustees reject targeted Gaza condemnation, approve broader humanitarian resolution and several local contracts

Trustees of the Village of Ballston Spa voted on Aug. 11 on two competing resolutions about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza — rejecting a narrowly worded, forceful resolution and approving a broader, nonpartisan statement calling for humanitarian aid and urging federal funding and diplomacy.

The first resolution, introduced by Trustee Vasquez and urging the U.S. to cease offensive weapons transfers and press for a permanent ceasefire, failed after a roll-call vote counted as 2 in favor and 3 opposed. Trustees then considered a substitute resolution that urged peace in multiple conflict zones and specifically called on federal officials to support safe transport of humanitarian aid and to reinstate funding for programs delivering that aid; that substitute passed by a 3-to-2 tally.

The debate drew extended public comment and several residents spoke in favor of and against the original, stronger resolution. Kristen Iccolucci, a local resident who addressed the board during public comment, said, “Your silence is not acceptable,” urging trustees to press federal officials to act. Other residents and speakers pressed the board to avoid taking sides in an international conflict and to focus on tangible relief and local needs.

Mayor Rossi and multiple trustees described the difficulty of balancing local responsibilities with constituent demands over an intensely divisive international issue. Trustees and members of the public repeatedly said the…