In Anticipation of Ceasefire Resolution Ask, Hazel Park to Consider Rules for Requests
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 13, 2024)
Hazel Park, MI – On Tuesday Hazel Park City Council will be considering a rule to govern the criteria for residents requesting proclamations and resolutions which would limit those requests to items related to the City. The rule proposal comes as several cities have had council meetings packed with individuals asking local officials to pass resolutions in support of a ceasefire in Gaza.
In Gaza fighting between Israel and Hamas has resulted in destruction and death, with a vast majority of the deaths being Palestinians. Around the world concerned citizens are looking for ways to encourage ending the war, and asking for local resolutions has helped raise awareness about the violence, the widespread hunger as supplies are failing to reach those in need, and the death. Several cities in Michigan, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Dearborn, and Detroit have passed ceasefire resolutions.
In neighboring Ferndale, City Council passed a proclamation recognizing the viewpoints of residents and encouraged peace as well as opposition to Islamophobia and Antisemitism. However residents who spoke at the Feb. 12 Ferndale city council meeting were displeased with the proclamation because it fell short of their demand for a resolution. Members of The Ferndale Palestine Solidarity Coalition vowed to continue with their campaign of emails, phone calls, and public comment until a more full resolution is made.
Members of the Coalition are also part of efforts in other cities, and anticipate attending Tuesday’s City of Hazel Park council meeting.
“This isn’t really the appropriate forum,” City Manager Ed Klobucher told Oakland County Times. “This is a federal issue, and for federal issues you have federal representatives.”
Traditionally resolutions are used for city-related topics.
“Most resolutions are honoring someone in the community, like an Eagle Scout project, a 100th birthday, or an outstanding volunteer for the City of Hazel Park, or someone leaving service like a mayor or councilperson or a longtime employee or a volunteer. Or maybe if there is a state law that is impacting the city – like revenue sharing. These are the things that council should accept resolutions for. We’re not going to debate state and federal issues.”
If approved, the rule would require resolutions be related to people or groups in the City of Hazel Park. It also says “Proclamations regarding ideology, politics, or religion will not be issued.” The rule also lays out the intent, stating “Citizen proclamations and/or citizen resolutions… are ceremonial documents are intended to convey positive messages to the City of Hazel Park community.”
Mike Flores, who has spoken in Ferndale with members of The Ferndale Palestine Solidarity Coalition, is also helping to organize residents in Hazel Park, where he is a resident. He told Oakland County Times, “I firmly believe the demand for a ceasefire in Gaza is not just an international issue—it’s a local imperative.
“With trust eroded in our elected federal and state leaders, it’s evident that local leaders serve as our last line of defense in elevating critical issues. Our communities bear the weight of global conflicts, and it’s through local action that we can amplify our voices, demand accountability, and advocate for peace.
“In times of uncertainty, it’s our local leaders who have the power to ignite change and uphold the values of compassion, justice, and humanity that define us as a community.”
Klobucher said he understands where the residents are coming from, but is focused on the work of managing city business. “No one wants to see any human suffering anywhere,” he said. “We all want to see every innocent human life protected. But it’s not appropriate for city council to take action on something that is not part of city government.”
