Marchand: Ceasefire Resolution Was "Flawed Beyond Repair"

Westville Alder Adam Marchand.

The following ​“Legislative Update” email was sent by Westville Alder Adam Marchand to constituents Tuesday morning, explaining why he voted with a majority of his Board of Alders colleagues to not adopt a proposed resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Hello everyone,

Last night the Board of Alders voted to ​“Read and File” the proposed resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This action means that the Board has concluded its consideration of the item and has decided not to take a yes/no vote on it. As a result, the proposed resolution will not be adopted and will not receive further hearings or discussion.

I voted in favor of this motion, and let me tell you why. From its introduction, this resolution has concerned me with its one-sided portrayal of blame for the present disaster in Gaza. Hamas is not taken to task for its important role in precipitating the crisis, and the hostages taken on October 7th are barely mentioned at all. In addition, I have personally witnessed some (but by no means all) proponents of this resolution issue calls for violent action against Israel.

The resolution does make statements calling for a commitment against racism and for the dignity and safety of all. I agree with those sentiments, but they appear in a resolution that contradicts such goals elsewhere in the text. From my perspective, the actual wording of the resolution mattered. It was flawed beyond repair, in my view, and I decided not to support it.

I came to this conclusion after much thought and conversation with constituents. The feedback came from people with a variety of views — in support or in opposition or neither — and I learned a great deal from them. In the end, I had to do what I felt was right. I do want peace, dignity, and prosperity for all Israelis and Palestinians. I hope for a just and fair political settlement and for the violence to stop. I did not see this resolution as a positive step toward those ends.

I know that many people are hurting right now and that the vote last night may cause some anger and disappointment. I welcome hearing from residents on this matter, and I encourage everyone to remain engaged in civic affairs, regardless of your views on this issue.

The business of the City continues. Tonight the Legislation Committee will hear three agenda items, including a zoning proposal to lower barriers to the development of Accessory Dwelling Units. Tomorrow the Legislation Committee will join with the Community Development Committee to hear a request to amend Yale’s Overall Parking Plan for Central/Science Campus.

Please see below links to news coverage related to the agenda items for these meetings as well to official information related to them. 

Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings, which will take place in the Alders Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. Interested residents may also view live streams of these and all Board of Alders meetings. To do so, please go to the Board of Alders YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@boardofalders8363.

Best regards, Adam.