Letter regarding Mayor O’Leary’s response on 5/16 (To review the video, visit Facebook, last topic of the meeting, 1:10-1:17) to Progressive Pride Flag proposal on 5/9 As you know, I asked for a Progressive Pride flag to be displayed to show solidarity with the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ populations. Now given I only had five minutes to discuss this and I have not had any communication from any official regarding this matter, we were all denied the opportunity to have a civil discussion. Seems to be commonplace in Galion.

  1. Flag etiquette- I come from a strong military family and was the director of a nonprofit that assists veterans and military families. I was required to know proper flag etiquette. I recommend looking at 4 U.S. Code § 7. U.S.C. Title 4 – FLAG AND SEAL, SEAT OF GOVERNMENT, AND THE STATES (govinfo.gov) To simplify what was said in the code, the VFW explains when flying another flag with the United States flag on the same staff, the United States flag should be flown on top. Flag Etiquette – VFW The Pride flag has been flown by local, state, and the federal government repeatedly. The Pride flag is flown at all U.S. Embassies.
  1. The local flag ordinance-What was it you said I was? An embarrassment? Well I have utilized the city website to review codes. I have asked others to do the same. None of us, even after doing specific searches, have found no sign of “a really awesome local ordinance that goes beyond the state of Ohio”. Let me know where this ordinance can be found. I know I could request those records, but since I am currently in the process of trying to get records, I know this can be a daunting task. I suggest making sure it is easier to find if they exist. I would be happy to read it.
  1. When asked where I would propose the Pride flag to be flown, I stated that was up for discussion. No discussion was had. This could have included other ideas such as a small display at the square. Brainstorming could have been had. You had a chance to collaborate with others and turned it away.
  1. I would love to be able to agree with you on the United States flag representing everyone. It is currently the symbol of oppression for many. We are up to 482 bills proposed that target the LGBTQ population across the country. (Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures | American Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org) Black politicians are being silenced. Trans politicians are being silenced. These are leaders that were chosen by the people to represent them. You, Mayor O’Leary, were chosen by default. Let me know when you have had bills proposed that deem you as less because you are a white male. You haven’t. You have not had to fight for the right to vote, open a bank account, or marry the person you love. If you are unwilling to do a display for the BIPOC and LGBTQ population, you should demand the Thin Blue Line is taken off the police cruisers. And yes!!!!!! I do agree with supporting other displays to promote an awareness of the diversity in this town. We need to honor our public servants such as police in a public manner. We need to honor the dark history of this nation and this town. You have a chance to recognize horrid things that happened in this town and to condemn the violence towards minorities. Take the chance.
  1. My flag on my house- I support healthcare for women. I do not have to tell my story to you. No one does. My flag is far less offensive than the way you speak to others, build bike paths on private property, ignore pleas of others for you to resign, and utilize demeaning language including being “scared” of an ALLY sticker on the Health Department’s door. If you want to know my story, you can find it.
  1. Embarrassment. That is what you called me because I chose to take a risk. I made a spectacle of myself. You had a bike path illegally built on an attorney’s private property. That is truly an embarrassment. You do not know me, but I have seen plenty of videos of how you react when you are wrong. I can admit when I am. You belittle, degrade, and scream.

Mayor O’Leary, let’s be real here. You know I am running for City Council At Large. It appears that you want to make me a single issue candidate. You know that I will not bow down to your aggressive behavior. You also know that you are corrupt. Why did you hide the EPA findings?

Why have you done nothing about it? Why are you letting the citizens you are to protect drink water that is unsafe? Why did you veto the AMP/Prairie State resolution? Why are you forcing your citizens to pay an ungodly amount for electricity every month? Why do you want to put in the Freese Center? Our town is not ready for that. We need to repair sidewalks, clean up the parks, pay off your  bike path, tear down the buildings that are unable to be restored, restore buildings that can, replace the old library sign, focus on low income housing and ensure the safety of our elderly, hone in on the historical spots in town and clean those up, fill the store fronts in Uptown, get rid of you and the other corrupt officials, and so much more. I have made myself accessible to people to express concerns regarding the town. I plan to address those concerns. I plan to listen to the citizens of Galion. Right now the most important thing citizens can do is attend the meetings, run for office, and vote. I urge each citizen to do just that.

Galion deserves to have representation that actually cares about this town. You have proven time and time again that there is only one person you serve here.

 

Resign.

Samantha M. B. Davis