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A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA PROMOTING EQUALITY AND CIVILITY IN OUR COMMUNITY.
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WHEREAS, Members of the City Council of the City of Gahanna serve on the representative body for all residents of the City; and,
WHEREAS, we believe that important functions of society are to share and create knowledge, explore ideas, and welcome diverse opinions in an atmosphere that is civil and safe for all Members of our Community; and,
Whereas, the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States sets out the founders desire to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity; and,
Whereas, the Declaration of Independence, states that all [people] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness; and,
Whereas, Gahanna Vision Statement states, Gahanna’s Vision is to be an innovative model community that values its rich heritage, pursues high standards, and promotes respect among its citizens; and,
Whereas, Gahanna’s Mission Statement states, Gahanna’s Mission is to ensure an exceptional quality of life by providing comprehensive services, financial stability, and well-planned development which preserves the natural environment, in order that city government will continue to be responsive, accessible, and accountable to our diverse and growing community of citizens; and,
WHEREAS, we reiterate that our community is strong because of our steadfast commitment to strive to be inclusive and affirming for people and ideas from all corners of our society; and,
WHEREAS, we believe that the promises set forth in the founding documents of the United States of America and the foundation documents of the City of Gahanna are realized through civil discourse; and,
WHEREAS, Revive Civility Ohio, a nonpartisan initiative spurred by The National Institute for Civil Discourse was launched in 2017 as part of a national effort to decrease polarization and strengthen communities through civil discourse; and,
WHEREAS, Revive Civility Ohio, chaired by Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Yvette McGee Brown and Current Speaker of the Ohio House Bob Cupp, seeks to engage elected representatives to foster respectful and truthful dialogues, model civility and kindness, and encourage community conversations that bring together people of diverse viewpoints on social and political issues.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That we stand united, recognizing the differences among us, in our call to promote civility in discourse, to listen with the compassion and kindness we regularly see displayed among diverse people and neighborhoods, to welcome a range of perspectives and ideas, and to champion the rights of all people to equality under the law.
Section 2. That the members of the Council of the City of Gahanna do hereby ask our community to:
• Pledge to take personal actions that model and promote civility and respect.
• Engage elected officials to lead with civility and to issue proclamations and foster respectful and truthful dialogues.
• Organize community conversations that bring together people of diverse viewpoints on social and political issues.
Section 3. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.