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Residents urge rejection of sanctuary-city request and raise local concerns during Newton public comment
Summary
During public comment, Angel Cologne urged the council to reject a request from LGBT Dems for a sanctuary-city designation and advisory committee; other speakers called for dialogue, announced a candidate forum and raised local issues including building safety and a dog park.
Several residents used the public comment period at the Oct. 7 Newton City Council meeting to raise a mix of civic and community concerns.
Angel Cologne of Atlanta, who identified as a survivor of a nightclub shooting and said she now travels discussing LGBTQ+ issues and trauma, urged the council to reject a request from LGBT Dems to designate Newton a sanctuary city, create an advisory committee, and release a statement against hate speech. Cologne said, “Those demanding tolerance are often the least tolerant,” and argued the council should refuse the sanctuary-city request.
Pastor Ashton Ivey of Christ Alive said disagreement is not the same as hate and encouraged the council to promote community dialogue—suggesting simple coffee or meal conversations rather than policy declarations. Greg Cranford of the Newton Forum Committee announced a candidate forum scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at the library. Other speakers raised local concerns: Cindy Abel noted a change in a local publication; Cassandra Gray reported an unsafe condition at a downtown building lift; April Harbison asked the council to consider a dog park after citing poorly leashed dogs she encounters while walking.
Council members did not take immediate action on the public requests during the meeting; the items were recorded in the minutes and are on file with the city clerk.
