Minutes 03-20-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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12 Marc Xavier said he believes the Board of County Commissioners is trying its best to find a solution, and believes in freedom of speech. He said he too supports everyone’s right to freedom of speech. He said the Bible talks about Sodom and Gomorrah, which he summarized. He asked what would happen if God came to Orange County, and what would he/she say about the way Orange County residents treat other people. He said it is important to do the right thing, and to solve the flag issue by finding a solution to make the flag insignificant. Katherine Walker said she is an Orange County/Hillsborough resident, and she thinks the size of the flagpole should be regulated. She said there are those who will see any regulation as a threat to freedom of speech, but she encouraged the BOCC to continue its positive work. Jennifer Bremer spoke in support of UDO limitations. She said it is important to be welcoming to all and include freedom of speech, but there has been much push back against the decisiveness of displays in the businesses and homes. She said economic growth may be hindered due to divisive displays, and the community must move towards better harmony. She said she strongly encourages modification to put reasonable limits on flags and banners. Commissioner Marcoplos thanked the public for sharing its views, and for the reasonable approach to this issue. He said he has concerns about how to impose limitations without limiting one’s right to free expression. He said it is important that the BOCC preserves the right of free expression, as it may turn around and bite them later. He said through the comments he heard at the last meeting, as well as this evening, he has a deeper appreciation as to why these changes need to be made. Commissioner Price said she may offend some people, but the BOCC will be making a step in the right direction if it limits the size of this symbol. She said the BOCC has heard that the Confederate flag is offensive, and while it is part of southern heritage, it offends too many people. She said there are other ways to celebrate south ern heritage, and some things are offensive because of the offensive history. Commissioner Jacobs said he has heard discussion about gun limitations lately, and he was thinking about the larger fabric of this. He said it embodies the discussions about flags, as well as about guns. He said there is a societal hollowness that allows the acceptance of persons in power who belittle, demean and insult the powerless, and a government that does not respond to the needs of the people, and that this is a time when it is hard to find commonality. He said he appreciates the tone of the public comments this evening, and wishes there had been some people present to share why they wish to display the confederate flag. He said nothing can move forward without conversations taking place, and society is splintering into groups that do not talk to each other. He said a participatory discussion is needed, or things will proceed in the wrong direction at a faster pace. Commissioner Rich said she thinks of the Confederate flag as a symbol of terrorism, and Orange County deserves better. She said she is glad the public came this evening, and she hopes they will return to speak during the public hearing. She said a proposed timing schedule is in the agenda. Commissioner McKee said the BOCC is often called to make decisions that will not make everyone happy, and, in such situations, he asks himself: is this reasonable; is the process deliberate and not reactionary; is it fair; and is it defensible. He said in this situation the answer to each of these questions is yes. Chair Dorosin said there are many strong feelings about this symbol, and about freedom of speech. He said this seems like a good approach to use; and it was done in Durham with the Bob Evans flag, and limits can be set. He said this is an important step, and he echoed