by John Schwartz, Hamilton
Hamilton City Council voted 4 to 2 to remove the crosswalk artwork by the library at City of Hamilton’s expense.
“Concerns” came from a few members of the public about how the bright colors, which have not caused traffic issues for almost a year, could be a safety risk to pedestrians and risk lawsuits for the City. They said allowing any “artwork” would require permitting symbols from the KKK. They said alternative views would not be shoved down their throats.
The motion made by Jenny West, created a city policy to remove and prohibit all artwork on pavement and sidewalks in the City of Hamilton.
A casualty of this policy was stripping our city of color and joy. Surely this was not a vote made out of personal or professional fear from the loud and aggressive public or their thinly veiled threats. We know it was really a vote to avoid conflict around acknowledging diversity in our community. The vote effectively killed the new Pride Rainbow crosswalk proposed by Hamilton High School students. This policy sends a message to the big employers that anchor our local economy that the money spent in our city and county supports a culture of discrimination and aggression. I guess only a few of our neighbors must choke on extremist religious views rather than living their best lives.
Thank you 2/3 of Hamilton City Council for sacrificing art, diversity, and growth under threat from our homophobic minority.