Union City Council June 5

There was a large turnout to the meeting due to the Communications Committee Report addressing a PRIDE community message.

Commissioner Brian Garner was the presenter of the message. Commissioner John Mefford is in charge of the Communications Committee and strongly pushed the issue.

Commissioner Jeremy Ramage opposed the PRIDE message and felt the Council should stick to business and stay neutral to such political issues.

Lonette Kidwell addressed the commissioners and mayor, pointing out Union is a community that holds strong to its values of God, country and family. Any action or approval, according to scripture, would be contrary to those values. The specific scripture Lonette directed their attention to was Romans 1. Lonette also addressed Commissioner Mefford, stating that when the commissioners voted on the ordinance of special rights for LGBTQ, he had refrained from voting, citing a conflict of interest between his job as a Ryle High School teacher, given that Ryle has a DEI policy, and his constituents.

Several other people present expressed their displeasure. The mayor and commissioners clearly heard the opposition to anything being done in the name of Union as it is not reflective of the citizens of Union.

The PRIDE message was approved, even though the large majority voiced disapproval of the message being put into social media on the Union City page.  

Voting to post a pro Pride message: Mayor Larry Solomon, Commissioner Brian Garner, Commissioner John Mefford

Voting not to post anything: Commissioner Jeremy Ramage

Not voting due to vacation: Commissioner Doug Bine

Representative Marianne Proctor spoke, giving a legislative update. She also addressed the Certificate of Need for Northern Kentucky. A task force has been formed and they are reviewing the CON and will make recommendations in the future. Garren Colvin, CEO of St Elizabeth, also spoke. He defended St Elizabeth’s stand and his against changing or removing CON.