Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
PALOUSE – The City of Palouse continues its discussion over whether to adopt a flag policy – and what kind – after an estimated 70 people gathered at Hayton Greene Park June 23 for a public forum.
Two days later, the city council's policy and administration committee met again.
They will present a policy recommendation to the overall council at its next meeting, July 14.
The flag issue came up in early June when the Palouse Lions Club prepared to hang flags for Flag Day on Main Street on light and utility poles. The flags included U.S. flags, those of the five branches of the military and a “Thin Blue Line” flag, which has become a subject of controversy.
Does it solely convey honor and support for law enforcement, or has it been tainted by the “Blue Lives Matter” counter-movement to “Black Lives Matter”? The flag's design features the stars and stripes in black and white, with one stripe in blue.
A total of 20 members of the public spoke at last week's forum – which was part of a city council meeting – along with five letters submitted.
“The goal was to create a positive, productive and safe space where all members of our great community could express their views,” said Mayor Chris Cook. “I feel the aforementioned goal was largely achieved.”
Palouse does not have a set policy for flags. The Lions Club has flown flags in town for multiple years with no incident.
After the forum, the city council reconvened following a short recess, still at the park.
Policy and Administration Chair Katie Cooper reported that the committee has researched the issue and twice met with city attorney Eric Hanson.
Cooper, in turn, laid out three possible options for the city, from taking no action – permitting street lights and utility poles to be used as public forums without regulation – to adopting a permitting process to hang flags for places and times but not regulate content. Finally, the town could mandate only city-owned flags and banners allowed on city property, to be hung by city staff.
The council is expected to adopt a policy of some kind July 14.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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