Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Civic Values Resolution topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Salem council adopts Leslie’s Retreat resolution, swapping named reference for 'current administration' after debate
Summary
On March 12 the Salem City Council adopted a resolution honoring the 1775 Leslie's Retreat and criticizing contemporary federal policies; councillors debated whether the document should target a named president or use broader language. After a Smith amendment replacing a president's name with "the current administration," the resolution passed 9–2.
The Salem City Council voted March 12 to adopt a resolution honoring the legacy of Leslie's Retreat (February 1775) and to reaffirm the city's commitment to "liberty and justice for all." The resolution draws historical parallels between local acts of resistance and contemporary federal policies the authors described as harmful to marginalized communities.
Councillor Halapa, who introduced the resolution and credited work by the Northshore Resolutions Project, framed the measure as a local reaffirmation of civic values. "By standing up today and passing this resolution, we take the first steps to saying enough," Halapa said during remarks explaining the text’s historical context and contemporary aims.
Debate focused on whether the resolution should explicitly name a sitting president. Councillor Smith moved an amendment to replace instances of a named president with the phrase "the current administration." Supporters said the wording change retained the resolution’s intent while avoiding personalization that might limit future revisions; opponents argued specific naming reflected recent harms the community had experienced.
Councillor Flynn voiced discomfort with what he called entanglement in national politics, urging care about bringing federal political conflicts into a municipal forum. Other councillors argued the resolution addresses tangible local impacts tied to federal policy, from immigration enforcement to funding choices.
After discussion and the Smith amendment, the council adopted the resolution by roll call vote: nine in favor, two opposed. The clerk recorded the no votes from Councillors Flynn and the councillor identified in the transcript as "Presni." The resolution asks the city clerk to forward the adopted text to the Massachusetts congressional delegation and other state officials.
Representative quote: "As elected representatives of Salem, the city council honors the oath of office... and reaffirms our commitment to the values of liberty and justice for all of our community members," Councillor Halapa said in introducing the resolution.
Ending: The resolution was made part of the record and will be forwarded to state and federal representatives as requested.
