3.1 Proclamation CivilityCITY OF SALINA
REQUEST FOR CITY COMMISSION ACTION DATE TIME
07/25/2022 4:00 P.M.
AGENDA SECTION
NO:
ITEM
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ITEM: Proclamation on Civility
BACKGROUND:
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT:
City Manager's Office
BY: Shawn Henessee
FISCALBY:
FINAL APPROVAL:
BY: /4f _<___
Currently, the City of Salina is entering a primary election this August -followed by a general election
this November. Strong feelings are held by both sides of contentious issues. As the City of Salina goes
through these election periods -it is important to emphsize civility and decorum even if issues being
discussed are sensitive and elicit strong feelings. As a result of this, the City Commission requested a
proclamation of civility and respect for residents constitutional rights. This proclamation recognizes
individual constitutional rights and encourages civility by all sides this election season.
FISCAL NOTE:
No fiscal impact
COMMISSION ACTION OR RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff has identified the following options for the City Commission's consideration:
1.) Approve the proclamation as submitted.
2.) Modify the proclamation.
3.) Decline to approve the proclamation.
This is a discretionary City Commission decision and Staff has not provided a recommendation.
Attachments: Proclamation on Civility
CC:
Civility Proclamation
Whereas, the open exchange of public discourse is essential to the democratic system of government; and
Whereas, as a cornerstone of democracy Americans have observed certain rules of behavior generally known
as civility; and
Whereas, civility, derived from the Latin words "civitas" meaning city and "civis" meaning citizen, is
behavior worthy of citizens living in a community or in common with others; and
Whereas, displays of anger, rudeness, ridicule, impatience, and a lack ofrespect, destruction of personal
property and personal attacks detract from the open exchange of ideas, prevent fair discussion of the issues and
can discourage individuals from participation in government; and
Whereas, civility can assist in reaching consensus on diverse issues and allow for mutually respectful ongoing
relationships and dialogue; and
Whereas, civility can uplift our daily life and make it more pleasant to live in an organized society; and
Whereas, recognizing that there can be strong political differences among residents: and
Whereas, recognizing that expressing political opinions in signs and other various forms is free speech
protected by the constitution of the United States.
Now, therefore, I, Trent W. Davis, M.D., Mayor of the City of Salina, Kansas, do hereby proclaim elections
to be an important element of our country's democratic process and urge citizens to maintain civility towards
one another and respect each individual's right to express their political opinions and exercise their
constitutional rights.
IN WITNFSS WHEREOF, I have hereunto
set my hand and caused the seal of the City
of Salina, Kansas, to be affixed this 25th day
ofJuty, 2022.
Trent W. Davis, M.D., Mayor