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Oakdale council signs civic pledge to promote civility in local government
Summary
Oakdale’s City Council on Feb. 10 signed the Civic Pledge for a Stronger Minnesota with Shannon Watson of Majority in the Middle, committing members to model respectful civic discourse and reject dehumanizing rhetoric.
Oakdale’s City Council ceremonially signed the Civic Pledge for a Stronger Minnesota on Feb. 10 after a presentation by Shannon Watson, founder of Majority in the Middle. Watson, whose organization describes itself as a nonpartisan 501(c)(3), told the council the pledge is “a simple baseline commitment” to seek common ground, avoid dehumanizing opponents and model civic leadership.
Watson said the pledge grew out of “the aftermath of two devastating acts of political violence,” and urged local officials to choose steadiness over spectacle. “By signing the civic pledge for a stronger Minnesota, you are choosing steadiness over spectacle,” she said during the council meeting.
Council members expressed support for the initiative during the meeting and joined Watson at the dais to sign certificates and pose for a photograph. Council members characterized the pledge as consistent with Oakdale’s long-standing practice of civility and said they would encourage neighboring cities to consider signing as well.
The signing was ceremonial; no legislative action or ordinance was attached to the pledge. Organizers left certificates with the council members and indicated they will keep a record of signatories. The city did not announce any formal reporting or enforcement mechanism tied to the pledge during the session.
The event was held during open forum; it concluded with a group photo and brief remarks encouraging other local elected officials to adopt the pledge.
