Monday’s three hour Chestertown Town Council meeting to consider the proposal for the Black Lives Matter and We Can’t Breathe murals on High St. and College Avenue evolved into a spirited, if not sometimes contentious debate showcasing a town grappling with how to express an anti-racist message and welcome and embrace its Black community residents.
Mayor Cerino and council members (minus Tom Herz who recused himself), listened to over a dozen Chestertown residents, as they weighed the issue for its legal liabilities, application, and maintenance. Cerino was also concerned that his role as Mayor required him to guard the town against legal challenges that could financially impact the town.
Attorney Jim Astrachan summed up a legal option: if the town adopted the two mural phrases as their town government message it would be considered protected as government speech
that recognizes that a government entity “is entitled to say what it wishes,” and may advance its expression without requiring viewpoint neutrality.
The Council agreed unanimously to adopt the proposal on these grounds adding that they wanted a tagline attached to both murals, “Chestertown Unites Against Racism,” to further define it as a town message and not an endorsement of the BLM political movement.
This video is approximately fourteen minutes in length.
Margie Fick says
Well then, why couldn’t a mural only be “Chestertown Unites Against Racism”.?
It seems to me that would cover it all.
Jill Drischler says
Perfect!
Bill Anderson says
The Mayor touched on this issue, and I am left wondering why Chestertown doesn’t simply issue this response to painting BLM and/or other messages on the roadways: The state, not the town, is responsible for the roadways and the markings thereon. The town cannot give consent for markings, painting, murals, etc. upon those streets.”
The town simply cannot give consent to paint such things upon buildings or cars that it does not hold ownership responsibility over.
Margie Fick says
Totally agree, good point
Maria says
This topic was discussed extensively in the meeting, and this question was answered thoroughly by attorneys.
Joanne Ghio says
Thank you, Chris and Council!
Beryl Smith says
If the town adopts it is the town financially responsible for doing the job and the upkeep?
james disette says
It is our understanding that all costs and maintenance will be the responsibility of a volunteer committee.
arlene lee says
Hi Beyrl,
No, the town adopted the language as government speech and tasked us with funding, implementing and maintaining the murals, with the oversight and supervision of the town manager. We offered and the town accepted our commitment.
Todd Hughes says
I believe that All people should be treated equally
So when can we expect to see a White Lives Matter mural painted in a street in Chestertown ?
Hey if they are going to paint Black Lives Matter, fine but then it would only fair paint White Lives Matter too.
Maybe paint them on different sides of the street?
If the town just wanted to paint White Lives Matter with out giving supporters of Black Lives Matter their street mural I think that would be discriminatory…difference?
What would be the problem with everybody being treated equally, ain’t we supposed to inclusive of everybody?
Chestertown has more then a few streets, paint is cheap, probably can paint some Asian , Hispanics and even a Native American one.
Do I think we will see a White Lives Matter mural?…I doubt it , because nowadays White Lives Don’t Matter.
Melinda Bookwalter says
I agree, White lives matter, ALL lives matter.
However, Black lives have NEVER mattered in this country from the first slave ship arrival and forward till now.
That’s what this mural is about: acknowledging the wrongs of the past and taking a step toward reparation.
Johnson says
Mr Hughes I highly recomend you read CASTE The Source of Our Discontents, Isabel Wilkerson. I promise edification and maybe a clearer point of view.
Steve Kochenash says
Thank you mister mayor and all council members. Chestertown is now the first town in the United States of America to publicly abolish their residents First Amendment Rights. I hope it makes you all very proud. We don’t need no vote. We’re the government, we can do what we want, let alone have to listen to what people think! How dare them. We know what’s best for them.
Ann says
If black lives do matter to Chestertowm; I would think the money spent on murals would be better spent to bridge the gap of financial, and educational inequality.
The murals sound like a way for the governing body to feel better about themselves without taking any real action.
SK says
Everyone of you have missed the point here. The town chose the path of “Government Speech” as opposed to a free vote. The definition of government speech is, we just abolished your rights to the First Amendment. The town officials made your decision for you. You no longer have the right to think for yourself. Your voiced opinion means nothing. What’s next on the agenda? I believe this will now be the new normal for government. Think about it!
Melinda Bookwalter says
SK is the same as Anonymous.
SK says
You must have a college degree.
Holly Johnson says
Thank you Melinda for your comments. Apparently some people don’t understand our history and also have no empathy.
Wayne Berkley says
Black Lives Matter movement is nothing but a bunch of thugs why should we let Suggs have a mural when you can’t have other people who did good things up there as far as George Floyd goes he was a criminal !!! The I can’t breathe deal he was a criminal sure it was wrong but that’s no reason to put a mural up for it . All lives matter I don’t know why they think that there’s something special I say no that’s giving into Black Lives Matter why because people are afraid that they’re going to go through the town and burn things and stuff it ain’t gonna happen over here I’m sorry there’s too many people with guns this was a quiet little rule community and to all this Black Lives Matter started give them their own state and I’m not and I’m not being racist there’s black and white people in the movement it’s a bunch of bull away to collect money for Democrats !!! If you the town council and the mayor let them get away with this you’re a disgrace to your own race White or black
Jason Lind says
It should conform to the town’s sign ordinance sign size.
Kathy Simmons says
I totally agree that individually and collectively we all need to work on race relations. This needs to be addressed throughout the town, county, state and nation, starting in our own back yards. However, I do not believe BLM or “I Can’t Breathe” is the way to do it. The phrase BLM screams “POLITICS!!” We do NOT need political agendas dictating guidelines and policies involving race relations. Why not make the tag line “Chestertown unites against racism” the mural??? Everyone is well aware BLM is ever so strongly affiliated with the Democratic Party and their agenda. THAT ONE FACT is the very reason we should not entertain this proposal! It’s a bias many find unsettling! As a town are we actually getting in bed with and approving the Democratic agenda?? It seems so as the proposal not only got the nod to go forward, but we are now owning/backing it legally??? Has the town taken such steps before or have we jumped into uncharted waters?? Personally I believe painting BLM is going to further any segregation and division that currently exists. Racism is not exclusive to the white race against the black race… racism covers ALL RACES!! That being said, the slogan “Chestertown Unites Against Racism” covers the issue COMPLETELY!! This would better serve to represent the entire town, not just one area.
If I were to present a proposal to the mayor and council requesting a mural stating “Make America Great Again” would this be approved? What say ye? Most likely I would meet resistance and be denied because it is tied to the Republican Party. However, there should be no reason to deny such a proposal. It’s a very positive slogan that could/should be in the heart of every American (minus the ties to the Republican Party). It is my opinion we are setting a precedent with BLM Allowing this to be painted on our streets has the potential to open up a very large can of worms. There are numerous counter culture groups with unsavory messages just waiting to be painted on our streets. Are we ready for that? Lastly, I’m quite curious how the BLM murals comply with the historical society guidelines…
Brian Jenkins says
Do you even know what the BLM organization is about? Is the whole town anti Semitic or just the city council? What about the nuclear family are you against that too? Allowing our selves to be extorted by this organization of hate Is a criminal offense. We need to stand up to theses bullies and defend our streets now cower to their demands.
Byrne says
Kudos to BLM and co- rioters excellent job destroying Kenosha!
Ron Jordan says
I am continually amazed at the xenophobia and racist tendencies of some of my neighbors that don’t take the time to read about an organization or a movement. When Dr. King was pushing for civil rights and voting rights in our nation, your voices then are voices of opposition today. Stand down and let things shake out. Be proud that your town council has the courage to stand up to the wrongs of the past and move Chestertown into the future. If you don’t think Black Lives matter, tell you what, walk up to the next black man or woman you know and be strong enough to tell them why their life is as unimportant compared to yours. Be straightforward not on this keyboard, warrior. Stand and say it to your co-workers and maybe your employees and see what will be their reaction to your bigotry and hatred for their right to exist? That is what you are saying, black lives, black people have no reason to live in this nation, to expect the same rights as you as a white person. You truly believe that say that to the next black person you encounter, I know you won’t because you are cowards.
Byrne says
It appears you have edited out many comments from the prior article regarding the vote and passage of the BLM road painting. Can we please see all of them to get a full understanding of pro’s and con’s?
Byrne says
Second Request
It appears that you have edited out many comments from the two articles that were published. Could we please see all of the comments to get a good idea of the pros and cons of how people feel.
Editor says
Byrne. We have tried to reach you about your comments but the email you provided does not work. Can you provide one rhat works