Public commenter urges council to review city investments and flags petition on proposed gas plant south of Hutchinson

Quincy Baker, who identified himself as affiliated with the Kansas Green Party and a local group called Free Palestine Hutchinson, used his five-minute public-comment time on Jan. 7 to urge the City Council to review local investments and partnerships he said link Hutchinson to the conflict in Gaza. Baker cited casualty figures and allegations about humanitarian impacts overseas and said he is preparing a proposed resolution for the council.

Baker also told the council he has circulated a petition opposing a planned natural gas plant proposed for a site south of Hutchinson. He encouraged residents to review the petition and asked councilmembers to "look into investments, partnerships that tie Hutchinson City to this genocide," language he used in his remarks.

The council did not take immediate action on Baker’s requests during the meeting. Council procedures allow public comment but require any formal council consideration, referral or ordinance to be introduced on the agenda for later action.

Baker’s remarks are recorded in the meeting minutes and will be available for any councilmember who wishes to request staff follow-up or an agenda item related to investments or the proposed gas plant.