"Our first work session was extensive and productive. I am now the Council representative on the Airport Commission, Tri-County Council, and the Zoo Commission. In addition to the agenda items (tow ordinance and health care consortium agreement), we also touched on what we want to accomplish in our tenure on the Council. One topic that I broached was to discuss replacing The Lord's Prayer with silent prayer. Although the initial suggestion came from another member (who chose not to bring it up), I have long felt that the recitation of a prayer from a singular religion was exclusionary. Not to mention that the courts have ruled that government meetings should not show such preference to any religion. I am not aware of any formal complaints, but must we wait for such to make a change that the high court has said we should make? Equally as important, shouldn't we want to be more inclusive in our City governance? I believe so. We are constantly asking our citizens to get involved, share your concerns, come to meetings. If that is what we really want-and I certainly do- than I feel we should do all we can to make everyone feel welcome. I believe that allowing individuals to worship or pray in the manner of their choosing before the meeting is a very sensible way to accomplish that goal. I am not trying to remove religion from our City or even our meetings, I am simply suggesting that we be respectful of the diversity in our community and even on our Council. I hope that you can understand where I am coming from on this but I am happy to talk with you individually about it if you wish."
Editors Note: Laura Mitchell is the only representative from District 2 that will listen to you and have a civil discussion with you on any issue. Please contact Laura at Laura@LauraMitchell.org
Please be Civil with Laura as I am going to keep informing the public of what she has to say and keeping open dialogue with her...Thanks
