Supervisors pass 'respect' resolution--despite efforts to derail it

2/22/2017

By Patsy Nicosia

A resolution supporting inclusion and opposing racism deliberately written to not be political, was nearly derailed Friday by politics.
Supervisors David Simpkins of Broome and Sandy Manko of Sharon both offered counter-resolutions to "Working Toward Respect For All."
Mr. Simpkins argued that the resolution, brought forward at the Board of Supervisors meeting by Schoharie Supervisor Chris Tague, would make it difficult to criticize groups like ISIS.
At the same time, he argued that the resolution, written and then rewritten by Glenn Sanders of Schoharie, wasn't far-reaching enough.
Why, he asked, should supervisors' opposition to racism and harassment stop at the county line?
For her part, Ms. Manko read a statement insisting it's time to start supporting President Donald Trump.
"I don't believe anything we do here will make any difference on how people act," Ms. Manko, a Democrat, said. "I think we're kidding ourselves that our opinions are so sought out.
"We elected him and it's time to support President Trump. He's governing almost exactly how he said he would. If you really love this country, we need to what will best help it succeed."
Mr. Simpkins is a Republican.
Mr. Tague, who's also a Republican, first brought the resolution forward in December after "build the wall" chants at Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School.
After some supervisors criticized its wording as too political, Mr. Tague, however, he withdrew it rather than see it defeated.
Friday it went back before supervisors and about 55 supporters, many wearing red buttons that said simply "Respect for All."
At first, it seemed like the resolution would pass with little discussion as Earl Van Wormer, Esperance supervisor and supervisors' chairman, and then Ray Richards, pastor of the Calvary Assembly of God in Cobleskill, spoke to its goal.
"I don't think there's anyone who wants respect for all more than the people in this room," Mr. Van Wormer said.
"It's not about politics, but rather bringing people together for the good of the community," added Rev. Richards.
However, Mr. Simpkins became the first to object.
"What if I want to say something bad about ISIS?" he asked. "That's a question I've been getting."
After Mr. Van Wormer said he didn't think the resolution applies to terrorist groups, Mr. Simpkins offered his own resolution to change the resolution's last paragraph; Blenheim Supervisor Shawn Smith, a Democrat, seconded that. (See the entire resolution on page X.) (Also related story on page X)
After Ms. Manko shared her objections, and offered a resolution to send Mr. Tague's resolution back to the Rules and Legislation Committee, however, Mr. Simpkins withdrew his resolution and seconded Ms. Manko's resolution, which failed in a 1,852-1,122 weighed vote.
Mr. Tague then called the question of his own resolution, which passed 2,134-840.
Speaking afterwards, Mr. Sanders said he was gratified by supervisors' support, despite the effort to politicize what was never intended to be political.
"I'm extremely grateful to all of the supervisors for giving this important issue their full attention, and for moving the issue forward," he said.