Laura Glesby file photo
Westville Alder Adam Marchand.
The following “Legislative Update” email was sent by Westville Alder Adam Marchand to constituents Tuesday morning, explaining why he voted with a majority of his Board of Alders colleagues to not adopt a proposed resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Hello everyone,
Last night the Board of Alders voted to “Read and File” the proposed resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This action means that the Board has concluded its consideration of the item and has decided not to take a yes/no vote on it. As a result, the proposed resolution will not be adopted and will not receive further hearings or discussion.
I voted in favor of this motion, and let me tell you why. From its introduction, this resolution has concerned me with its one-sided portrayal of blame for the present disaster in Gaza. Hamas is not taken to task for its important role in precipitating the crisis, and the hostages taken on October 7th are barely mentioned at all. In addition, I have personally witnessed some (but by no means all) proponents of this resolution issue calls for violent action against Israel.
The resolution does make statements calling for a commitment against racism and for the dignity and safety of all. I agree with those sentiments, but they appear in a resolution that contradicts such goals elsewhere in the text. From my perspective, the actual wording of the resolution mattered. It was flawed beyond repair, in my view, and I decided not to support it.
I came to this conclusion after much thought and conversation with constituents. The feedback came from people with a variety of views — in support or in opposition or neither — and I learned a great deal from them. In the end, I had to do what I felt was right. I do want peace, dignity, and prosperity for all Israelis and Palestinians. I hope for a just and fair political settlement and for the violence to stop. I did not see this resolution as a positive step toward those ends.
I know that many people are hurting right now and that the vote last night may cause some anger and disappointment. I welcome hearing from residents on this matter, and I encourage everyone to remain engaged in civic affairs, regardless of your views on this issue.
The business of the City continues. Tonight the Legislation Committee will hear three agenda items, including a zoning proposal to lower barriers to the development of Accessory Dwelling Units. Tomorrow the Legislation Committee will join with the Community Development Committee to hear a request to amend Yale’s Overall Parking Plan for Central/Science Campus.
Please see below links to news coverage related to the agenda items for these meetings as well to official information related to them.
- Legislation Committee meeting on Tuesday, 6 pm
- Joint Community Development — Legislation Committee meeting on Wed., 7 pm
- LM‐2024‐0274 ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ALDERS APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE YALE UNIVERSITY CENTRAL/SCIENCE CAMPUS OVERALL PARKING PLAN.
- https://newhaven-ct.legistar.com/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=25510&GUID=F2640532-6ABC-4A6B-86EA-302DE683236C&R=8d187eaa-08f7-43c6-bd3f-e817f2d1f965
- LM‐2024‐0274 ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ALDERS APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE YALE UNIVERSITY CENTRAL/SCIENCE CAMPUS OVERALL PARKING PLAN.
Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings, which will take place in the Alders Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. Interested residents may also view live streams of these and all Board of Alders meetings. To do so, please go to the Board of Alders YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@boardofalders8363.
Best regards, Adam.
Dear Alder Marchand - This is fantastic. I agree with you in regard to the clarification that was needed. I agree with them. Now, thanks to you, I understand the confusion and I understand that not "all Resolutions are the same"!
Violence against Israel is unacceptable. Antisemitism is unacceptable. And racism is unacceptable.
Having been a member of Local 34 for decades, I know how difficult it is when a group tries to come up with one statement, especially one that is complicated and involves forms of violence. It's difficult to understand what is going on "on the ground" and then to put that into a simple resolution.
Last week, I visited the encampment at Wesleyan University. And, of course, I learned that not all students agree on all of the issues. Before I reached the encampment, walking onto the campus I asked one student where it was. At first she didn't know what I was talking about. I continued to ask questions and then, then she was able to point me in the right direction (this is not a big place!!!). From what I remember, the students said that their Student Assembly will soon be taking up the issue of a Cease Fire.
As a comparison we can look at the success of the Nuclear Arms Freeze Resolutions that were passed by so many local and State organizations around the country and around the world.
The core of that Resolution, as I remember, stayed the same from one community to another, however, some communities modified it to suit their viewpoints.
Many countries and more than 100 U.S. cities and towns have called for a ceasefire via resolutions in Gaza and they have been passed in Bridgeport and Windsor.
I believe our State Legislature is working on formulating a Ceasefire Resolution for consideration by the lawmakers as well.
I have no idea how the resolution presented to the Alders was formulated and I wonder if they might reformulate it and introduce something everyone can agree on?
It's important!