‘In God We Trust’ goes up in county hearings room

It’s been nine months since the Clark County council voted on arguably its most controversial project of 2015: posting the words “In God We Trust” in its hearings room.

Now the book is officially closed on that project, as the national motto was finally posted above the council dais Thursday afternoon.

The shining aluminum-coated letters, provided by local day center and ministry Friends of the Carpenter, were hung on the wood-paneled wall directly behind the councilors’ seats. The display hangs below Clark County’s motto, “Proud past, promising future,” and is in a similar font and style as the previously existing display.

The council met twice on the proposal in February. Councilors were met with vocal and emotional public comment from both sides. Supporters called on the council to honor America’s religious heritage and veterans by posting the motto. Opponents complained that it sends a message that those who are not religious are not welcome to participate in county government.

Finally, the county council voted 2-1 to display “In God We Trust” in the hearing room. Councilors David Madore and Tom Mielke supported the proposal, while Councilor Jeanne Stewart cast the no vote. All three are Republicans.

Mielke championed the proposal after he was contacted by “In God We Trust-America,” a group based in Bakersfield, Calif., whose mission is to see the national motto hung in every county and city office across the country.

Acting County Manager Mark McCauley said the county may see some people commenting at Tuesday’s meeting but is not expecting significant backfire from hanging the display.