People packed the Boulder City Council chambers on Thursday, Feb. 1, during public comment, with many calling on councilmembers to pass a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Speer called for five recesses, primarily due to talking and shouting in the back of the chambers criticizing those speaking in support of Israel. During the recesses, attendees chanted “ceasefire now.” A man passed around popcorn. At least four police officers flanked the room. The chambers were cleared out after people began chanting “shame” and “cowards” at councilmembers.
When councilmembers reconvened, a majority affirmed the provision in city code stating that, “Council shall not act on a foreign policy or national policy issue on which no prior official city policy has been established by the council or the people, unless sufficient time and resources can be allocated to assure a full presentation of the issue.”
“This is not what we do,” Councilmember Mark Wallach said. He said the city instead should focus on homelessness, snow removal, public safety and other issues that affect Boulder residents. “These are the things that are within our competence.”
Councilmember Lauren Folkerts suggested that the city’s Human Relations Commission advise councilmembers on “how we can help our community engage in productive dialogue and healing given the trauma associated with this topic.”
Councilmember Taishya Adams said she was saddened by the city policy that restricts councilmembers from acting on foreign affairs. “I’m happy to do a vote on that,” she said.
Councilman Mark Wallach is correct getting involved in national politics is not the function of our city council. Period!!
There is enough work on the local agenda.
The Issue that is paramount is the homelessness in Boulder – don’t let this city turn into SF, Seattle or Portland
Do not incentivize wanting people to come to this city for this reason
We need to crack down on this. Stiff penalizes for fentanyl use and establish a special task force for bike thefts in the city
Are we not the stolen bike capital of the US??
No these politicians do not need to get involved in national politics!!!