Residents press Middletown council for ceasefire resolution; council later adopts separate 'calls for peace' resolution

Several residents used the public‑comment period to urge the Middletown Common Council to adopt a ceasefire resolution concerning the conflict in Gaza and to criticize U.S. policy.

Jason Neachman, a Middletown resident, urged the council to "champion this resolution," saying the civilian toll in Gaza was "staggering" and arguing that taxpayer dollars that fund arms could be redirected "into our own community, our housing, our education, our health care." He told the council: "We should write a chapter in our city's history that reflects compassion and courage, not silence in the face of adversity." (public comment)

Camilla, a resident, read a statement from "Ola," a Gaza graduate student, who described displacement and shortages and said, "It is our taxpayer money that is helping to fund the bombs that are destroying Ola's home." (public comment)

After public comment and later on the agenda, Alderman Olin Massey introduced a council resolution "calling for peace across the globe and demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages." Alderman Johnson seconded the resolution and the council carried it on roll call.

Council members did not record an extended deliberation tying the public comments directly to a formal municipal policy beyond adopting the ceremonial 'calls for peace' resolution. The transcript records public testimony and the subsequent passage of Alderman Massey's resolution; the meeting did not include staff fact‑checking of the international casualty figures raised by commenters.

The council's formal action was a resolution that calls for peace and the release of hostages; it does not purport to alter city administration or direct federal foreign policy but records the council’s stance in a formal resolution.

The council will include the resolution text in the official minutes.