Council Compromises on Flag Policy

By Renée Morin

At its July 16 meeting, the City Council reviewed its policy on flying commemorative flags as requested by Councilor Jonathan Martell at their last meeting. He had expressed his view that no commemorative flags should be flown at City Hall, as they end up being “controversial and divisive.”

Martel made a motion, which was not seconded, that the section dealing with commemorative flags in the city’s flag policy be removed.

Councilor Ayn Hanselmann disagreed, arguing that the ability to fly commemorative flags should be used “carefully and respectfully.” She felt that the ability to fly commemorative flags was important, given the diversity of Sanford-Springvale residents. Hanselmann suggested that they should fly more flags, and that flying flags is related to “freedom of council expression.” She suggested a threshold for flying a commemorative flag could be changed to require 2/3 of present council members in favor, rather than a simple majority.

Mayor Becky Brink noted that requests to fly commemorative flags are only accepted from council members, not the public, to limit controversy. Brink likes the city’s flag policy, but also expressed agreement with Hanselmann’s proposal.

Councilor Pete Tranchemontagne did not agree with Hanselmann’s proposal. He said the threshold for raising a commemorative flag should stay a simple majority of councilors present. Hanselmann argued that there are other instances where the city council does need a 2/3 majority to pass certain things and said that the 2/3 majority results in a “stronger vote.”

Councilor Robert Stackpole asked Hanselmann whether her proposal was intended as a compromise between Martell and the other councilors. Hanselmann responded in the affirmative. Martell thanked Hanselmann for her compromise. Stackpole said he was okay with whatever the council decided the threshold should be, and that he supported Hanselmann’s proposal.

Councilor Nathan Hitchcock said that a 2/3 majority is required for changes to rules of governance in some organizations. He agreed with Martell that the flags can be divisive. Hitchcock said that he likes to take into consideration the citizens he represents when voting. He also said raising the threshold would help councilors in explaining the council’s decision to citizens.

A Sanford-Springvale resident voiced the opinion that the councilors should stand by their original decision regarding the threshold being a simple majority.

Hanselmann’s proposal was adopted 5-1, with Tranchemontagne dissenting.