Residents praise outgoing councilors; one speaker urges Moscow council to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza

Public comment at the Jan. 5 Moscow City Council meeting centered on appreciation for outgoing council members and a request from a resident that the council consider a resolution on the Israel–Gaza conflict.

Kenton Byrd (resident) offered a historical perspective on five decades of local civic life and thanked outgoing Mayor Arthur D. Betke and departing council members for their service. Victoria Siever and several other residents echoed thanks and offered well-wishes to the newly seated councilors.

Tim Park used his three minutes to urge the council "to consider writing a resolution that if passed by the Moscow city council would condemn the US backed Israeli genocide of the Palestinians of Gaza," and argued that silence on the topic amounts to complicity. His remarks referenced a radio interview with Howeida Arraf and included forceful language about ongoing hostilities.

John Slagboom also spoke, congratulating the incoming officials and offering volunteer support to city programs.

The council did not take up any formal action on the matter during the meeting; the request for a resolution was an item raised during public comment and not on the published agenda. No formal referral or vote on that proposed resolution was recorded.