The Seneca County Board Of Supervisors have taken the closest thing to official action since a meme posted to Waterloo Town Supervisor Don Trout’s Facebook page prompted calls for his resignation.
Supervisors Michael Ferrara (Seneca Falls), Robert Hayssen (Chair, Varick), Jeffrey Trout (Fayette), Elizabeth Partee (Tyre), and Kyle Barnhart (Lodi) signed on to the letter denouncing the message sent by the meme.
“We fully recognize and support the Constitution and the First Amendment right to free speech, including speech that some may find distasteful. Likewise, we also have the right, and sometimes obligation, to denounce speech that we believe runs counter to our core values,” the joint statement said. “By no means does this Facebook posting reflect the beliefs and values of the Supervisors listed above. We strongly advocate for the equality of all people in the United States and especially for the people of Seneca County.”
The statement, which was not sent out through traditional county channels, indicated no consequences or official action. Republican members of the Board caucused earlier this week before committee meetings.
Supervisor Barnhart suggested after the meeting that the issue was not dead. However, the joint statement from five board members didn’t indicate how the matter would be handled moving forward.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to promote the social and economic opportunities for all people. Any conduct that discriminates against, denigrates, or shows hostility or aversion towards a person on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, or any other protected status should not be tolerated and should be recognized for what it is, discrimination,” the statement added. “This County is the birthplace of the Women’s Rights Movement and was an integral part of the Underground Railroad System that provided freedom and protection for African Americans looking to escape the chains of slavery. We will continue to fight for the rights of our citizens and encourage all people to do the right thing.”
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