Sonora, CA — What was initially drafted to be a resolution in remembrance of Charlie Kirk went through several iterations to become a recognition of Free Speech and Public Service Remembrance Week.
We reported last month that District Four Supervisor Steve Griefer proposed that the county declare October 14 as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk. When it went up for discussion on October 21, Board Chair Anaiah Kirk unveiled a counter-resolution to instead declare October 14 (Charlie Kirk’s birthday) as a Free Speech and Public Service Remembrance Day. Kirk’s proposal referenced several specific Republicans and Democrats who have been victims of political violence, and he indicated that it aimed to turn down the temperature of political divisiveness. Griefer also supported the revision.
The item was then tabled, however, so that Supervisors Kirk and Ryan Campbell could further review it and make additional changes.
Unlike the earlier draft, the revised version that returned at this week’s board meeting made no reference to any specific person. Click here to view the draft.
Several people spoke in opposition to the revised resolution, some speaking negatively about some of Charlie Kirk’s past statements, others wanting a resolution just for Charlie Kirk, and some criticizing resolutions in general because they can spur divisiveness.
At the meeting, instead of using the October 14 date, Board Chair Jaron Brandon proposed to tie the resolution to an already established Free Speech Week, which was October 20-26, and Supervisor Campbell also endorsed the idea. Supervisor Kirk acknowledged that he was ok with the change as well. The vote to approve the final Free Speech resolution was 5-0.
There was also a back-and-forth discussion among board members about trying to avoid what can be viewed as divisive political resolutions in the future, and the topic will be brought back for future board discussion. Supervisor Kirk indicated that he will likely not be voting in support of any politically motivated resolutions, referencing others like LGBTQ Pride Week proclamation, in the future. Supervisor Mike Holland expressed a similar sentiment about politically motivated resolutions, and Supervisor Campbell indicated that he would also like to avoid this type of situation in the future. Questions were posed about the logistics of how that would work, as there are several community resolutions the board approves each year. Details will be decided at the future meeting when it comes back for discussion.
