GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Greenfield City Councilors voted by majority to pass the motion supporting a permanent ceasefire in Gaza at Monday’s special meeting. The council heard from over a dozen Greenfield residents of the approximately 100 viewers in attendance for the virtual meeting, the majority of which spoke about the desire to see the violence in Gaza end. Some residents expressed disinterest in addressing an international issue through local government, while others spoke to the opportunity to band together to speak to state and national leaders through the proposed resolution.
President John Bottomley concluded public comment just after 6:40 p.m. and before reading the motion, shared that after consulting with the council parliamentarian, it had been determined that the resolution didn’t fit the existing procedure as with typical appropriations or orders that require seven yes votes to pass. Bottomley said in this case, the council would revert to Robert’s Rules of Order which states that a majority vote of the present members would be required to pass the motion. With Councilors Sheila Gilmour and Wid Perry not present, six affirmative votes from the ten present councilors would be required to establish a simple majority.
Amendments to the resolution were passed from two councilors. Councilor Rachel Gordon amended the resolution to include current dates (changing March 20th to March 18th to reflect the date of the meeting, rather than the regular city council meeting) and numbers of those killed to 32,000 Palentinians and 1400 Israelis, which Gordon said was verified by several organizations including the Gaza Health Ministry. Councilor Garrett made an amendment changing several lines of the resolution including removing the specific figure of $3.2 billion given in aid to Israel from the US and changing it to “billions” and changing the opening statement from “permanent ceasefire” to “peace and ceasefire.”
Ultimately, the council took a roll call vote on the motion to support the resolution which resulted in six yes votes, two abstentions, and two no votes. As part of the resolution, the City Clerk will be sending the signed resolution to the office of President Biden, U.S. Senators Markey and Warren and Congressman McGovern.