Middletown commission limits grand marshals to two, moves final selections to special meeting

The Middletown LGBTQIA+ Commission voted Feb. 18 to limit this year’s Pride grand marshals to two, and agreed to hold a short special meeting for ranked voting to finalize who will be named.

Commissioner Bree moved the measure after several commissioners said two marshals best fit the commission’s budget and staffing capacity for the all-day Pride event. Bree noted that historically the commission “gives out $1,000 charitable donation per marshal,” and said recent sponsor losses and rising costs make a smaller number more prudent this year.

The motion drew discussion about representation — some commissioners favored a third marshal to broaden demographic representation, others said two is easier to staff and provides a backup if one marshal is unavailable on event day. Laura, speaking from experience, said two marshals are “the minimum requirement in case one is not able to make it,” particularly for major events.

After the discussion the commission voted to set the number at two and then passed a motion to provide commissioners one week to submit ranked choices; the nominations will be tabulated at a special meeting. Commissioners briefly introduced nominees during the Feb. 18 meeting; candidates presented or were described by commissioners as community leaders, performers and long-time organizers. Among those nominated were Jennifer Billingsley, Bleach (performer/MC), Barbara McLean, Robin (True Colors founder), John Pepe (owner of the Shea venue) and Rachel Simon (executive director, Triangle Community Center).

The commission did not finalize the selections at the regular meeting; chair instructions and votes established the process and timeline for ranked voting and a follow-up special meeting to confirm marshals.

Next steps: commissioners will rate nominees during the one-week window; a special meeting will compile ranked ballots and announce the two grand marshals.