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Clifton council adopts banner affirming racial equality after debate and public comments
Summary
After public comment and council debate, Clifton’s Town Council voted to display a banner reading “Clifton is committed to racial equality, justice and healing” for 30 days, contingent on a VDOT permit and up to $500 in costs; one councilmember abstained.
Clifton Town Council voted Aug. 4 to display a banner that reads “Clifton is committed to racial equality, justice and healing” for 30 days once the town secures a VDOT permit. The motion, made by Councilmember Steve Effros and seconded by Councilmember Darrell Poe, passed by roll call: Hollaway, Effros, Milne, Poe and Pline voted yes; Regan McDonald abstained.
The banner decision followed public comments and emailed submissions both supporting and criticizing the town’s intervention in social and political topics. During citizens’ remarks several residents urged replacing a stolen banner with identical wording; an earlier motion to re-hang the original banner failed. In the Aug. 4 motion Councilmember Effros framed the temporary display as recognition of the “unique situation of the current movement.”
Opponents and skeptics raised concerns in written comments that were forwarded to the Council. Resident Eric Norby wrote that he was unsure “the motivation for the town of Clifton to address issues that have not existed” and that the banner “smacks of pandering.” Several residents and families submitted support: Michelle Stein emailed that “The Stein family supports the installation of the new banner,” and Karen Arnold asked to be recorded as in favor.
Mayor William Hollaway and other councilmembers said the banner requires VDOT approval and that the town would cover up to $500 in material and any reasonable costs to reestablish equipment or adjust the wire height. The Council recorded the conditions and directed staff to pursue the permit and arrange installation once approved.
The council’s action was a policy decision about town messaging rather than an ordinance. The vote concluded with the council’s stated conditions on permit approval and cost limits; the banner is to remain posted for 30 days once installed.
