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Madison County Board returns 'Blue Lives Matter' resolution to committee after public objections
Summary
After multiple public comments opposing the wording, the Madison County Board voted to send a proposed "Blue Lives Matter" resolution back to committee for further discussion, following a heated exchange between board members over whether the measure advances or undermines community unity.
Madison County Board members voted on Nov. 18 to return a proposed "Blue Lives Matter" resolution to committee after a string of public comments objecting to the language and a heated discussion among board members.
The resolution, introduced by members of the board to "declare their support for all police officers," prompted at least five written public comments read into the record by County Clerk Debra Ming-Mendoza. Commenters argued the phrase "Blue Lives Matter" undercuts the Black Lives Matter movement and risks sending "a disturbing message to our community members of color," according to Brett Bertok, whose letter was read aloud at the meeting.
"Please vote NO on the Blue Lives Matter Resolution," said one commenter, Elizabeth Crk, in remarks submitted from Glen Carbon and read by the clerk. Several other writers urged the board to reject the measure or to replace the language with an alternative that could recognize public safety workers without appearing to dismiss concerns about racial justice.
Board members debated whether the resolution was an appropriate expression of support for law enforcement or an inflammatory statement. "I think it is ok for people to thank the police when facts show they’ve done a good job. It is also ok for people to criticize the police when facts don’t show they do a good job," said County Board member Mike Parkinson, who argued the item should be returned to committee so the issue could be discussed more widely.
Don Moore, who sponsored the measure, said he intended its purpose to be a show of support for law enforcement. "I will stand by their side, and I am with them and I'm not going to send back to committee when we’ve already made a decision to say we support the police," he said, urging members to take a stand.
After floor discussion the board approved a motion by Mike Parkinson, seconded by Matt King, to send the resolution back to committee for further consideration. The motion carried; no final vote on the substance of the resolution was taken.
The referral means the resolution will be reconsidered in committee at a later date; board members and public commenters said they expect additional dialogue before any final vote.
