Though a motion to post “In God We Trust” in the Clark County councilors’ public hearing room failed Tuesday, the councilors were quick to revive the issue during board time a day later.
The proposal to display the national motto in the council chambers could return to the floor for approval in the coming weeks. The councilors heard more than two hours of public comment on the issue Tuesday, with most speakers protesting the religious tone of the motto, saying it would be divisive and ostracize those who are not religious.
The motion failed after a motion made by Tom Mielke was not seconded by fellow councilors Jeanne Stewart or David Madore.
The following day, however, Madore said it “would be appropriate” to display “In God We Trust” on the wall behind the dais in the hearing room.
“We have a county motto, and that motto represents us as a local community,” Madore said. “This local community is not a silo. We don’t stand alone. We are a part of a nation, and this nation, America, has its motto. And we are a part of America, and it would be very appropriate to add our nation’s motto, also.”
Tuesday’s motion was not clear enough, Madore said, and he wanted more details on how and where the motto would be displayed. He went so far as to tell his fellow councilors that he wanted it displayed on the wall behind the dais, as well as what typeface he envisioned should be used.
“It would be the same font you’d find on the penny, and brass in color,” Madore said.
Stewart, whose decision not to support motion drew cheers and applause from the audience, said she wasn’t sure about bringing the motion back for consideration.
“Really what it sounds to me like is we’re kind of circling back around,” she said.
Mielke, who originally pitched the idea a month ago, was frustrated by Madore’s claim that the proposal lacked clarity.
“I brought that to this board four weeks prior,” Mielke said. “We could have talked about that for four weeks. You could have amended that on the floor.”
“All that lost opportunity,” Madore replied. “Maybe we’ll get it right this time.”
The council also discussed options for posting government documents in the hall. Echoing a suggestion he’d made Tuesday, Madore asked acting County Manager Mark McCauley if he could have a large copy of the Declaration of Independence printed, framed and hung in the hearing room.
“I want it to be most readable,” Madore said. “It’s not a piece of art. It’s a reminder.”
Stewart, meanwhile, suggested posting Article 1, Section 1 from Washington’s Constitution: “All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights.”
Stewart told her fellow council members that she has the excerpt hung on her fridge and that she reads it each morning.
“I think it’s a good reminder to elected officials and an excellent reminder to the citizens that we’re doing your work,” she said.
