Middletown residents press council for Gaza ceasefire resolution; council narrows public-comment rules

Dozens of residents who traveled from Middletown and neighboring communities pressed the City of Middletown Common Council on Dec. 17 to adopt a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, arguing the city should use its platform to urge humanitarian relief.

"We call for a cease fire in Palestine because the atrocity taking place...is up to all of us in this room to do our part to stop it," said a public commenter identified in the transcript as Milad Bakla, among a group the transcript shows organizer Jason introduced as speakers from the 4th Ward and beyond.

Supporters who addressed the council cited international humanitarian law and personal stories. "By passing a ceasefire resolution, it sends a powerful message that the city of Middletown stands for the dignity, the well-being, and preservation of human life," Dario Dupree told the council.

Other residents urged restraint and reminded the crowd of the limits of municipal authority. "The city of Middletown is not going to be able to make any kind of significant difference in the outcome of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza," said Amia Ramkeson, a Middletown student. She advised residents to contact federal lawmakers instead.

The public comment period grew contentious as some speakers and representatives on the dais exchanged accusations that the forums had been "orchestrated." Mayor Joseph DeStefano told the chamber he had been sent a draft resolution and guidance for speakers and said many attendees were not city residents. "They came to their first two meetings and lied," the mayor said during remarks recorded in the transcript. Council members also described disruptive behavior—signs, chanting and repeated appearances—that they said was preventing the conduct of city business.

In response to the repeated appearances and disruption, Alderman Massey introduced an amendment to City Code Section 30-1 (order of business) to limit the "good of the city" public comment to agenda items only and restructure when nonagenda comments are heard. After debate, the council adopted the amendment by roll call vote; the motion carried.

Council members and public commenters differed on strategy and on the propriety of using municipal meetings to press international issues. Several speakers urged the council to collaborate with local organizers to draft a resolution; council leaders said they lacked the votes to pass such a measure now and emphasized that federal representatives are appropriate channels for foreign-policy action.

What happens next: the council adopted the code change to narrow public comment and the mayor and council indicated they will pursue rules changes going forward. Activists at the meeting said they will continue outreach and requested follow-up conversations with council members to draft possible language for a statement or resolution.