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The Ballston Spa Village Board (left to right): Attorney James Fauci; Trustees Robert Cavanaugh and Stuart Hodsoll; Mayor John Romano; Trustees Noah Shaw and Shawn Raymond; and Deputy Clerk Cari Scribner. Photo by Larry Goodwin.
BALLSTON SPA – In response to a weekend of violence between white nationalist groups and counter protesters hundreds of miles south, a lively discussion of the subject ensued Monday on the front lawn of a village justice.
Ballston Spa Mayor John Romano, who has served in that role since the 1990s, called it “one of the best public meetings” he ever witnessed.
“That’s what we’re here for, to find out what you folks want,” Romano told those in attendance.
In an email distributed to members of the group Smart Growth Ballston on Sunday, the day after a young woman died in Virginia while protesting white nationalism, village Trustee Noah Shaw announced his intention to propose “a volunteer task force to recommend measures we can take to ensure we walk the walk of inclusion.”
“I will propose a resolution that the village stands united against the white nationalist, neo-Nazi hate and bigotry that has raised its awful head in Virginia,” Shaw wrote.
“In the aftermath of the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia, it is incumbent upon us – as it is for all public officials across this country, from members of the smallest local boards to those who walk the halls of Washington, D.C. – to make clear that our communities are open, welcoming and safe for all of our residents and visitors no matter the color of their skin, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation,” Shaw added.
The Ballston Spa Village Board held its last summer open-air meeting on Aug. 14 in front of the Chester Street home of Village Justice Michael Morrissey.
Initially, Shaw received comments in favor of his resolution from fellow Trustees Shawn Raymond and Stuart Hodsoll. Several residents also voiced support.
The remaining two board members, joined by a more vocal group of residents, were not comfortable with media coverage suggesting that local problems exist similar to those in Virginia; or the idea that government should take such an active role to counter them.
Romano opined that “the fear” created by events in Virginia will not influence matters in Ballston Spa. “We will absolutely be vigorous,” he said, in opposing all types of bigotry. He repeatedly praised the “spirit and intent” of Shaw’s proposal.
Still, Romano said, he is unaware of any incidents that “warrant the creation of a task force.”
Trustee Robert Cavanaugh said there are countless groups nationwide being “influenced” by social media, but that quaint villages like Ballston Spa remain a refuge.
Romano set aside normal meeting rules and opened the village yard for public comment. Shortly after 8 p.m., the debate over Shaw’s proposal lingered on even as the sunlight slipped away and mosquitoes turned more aggressive.
One schoolteacher talked about her reaction to swastikas being painted on village streets before last year’s presidential election. Another woman recalled a more recent incident at a Stewart’s store, in which she confronted a young man who allegedly displayed white nationalist beliefs.
“How are you going to influence people’s opinions?” wondered Pat Southworth, whose wife Patti is a former Ballston town supervisor.
Southworth said any response to actual bigotry and hatred in the community has to emanate from “faith-based” groups, rather than “ad-hoc” committees—it “should not be dictated by government,” he urged the board.
Gina Marozzi, who attends most village board meetings together with Frank Rossi, questioned the process of identifying local hate groups. “Who determines what hate is?” Marozzi asked, equating her own recent past experiences with such acts.
Marozzi described instances in which others called her a “fascist” for admiring President Donald Trump. She said her family members also received “death threats” several years ago for supporting the construction of a Wal-Mart north of the village.
“One person’s philosophy is another person’s hate speech,” added Rossi, noting how the city government in Charlottesville, Virginia might have provoked the recent violence by proposing to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.
Rossi said that amounted to putting a “bulls eye” on the southern city for targeting by hate groups.
In the end, Shaw proposed amending the language to accommodate the concerns that were raised. The board voted unanimously in favor, and the crowd applauded.
“The point is to get ideas,” Shaw said. “The point is not to form an entity.”
The final version of the resolution states that village government “will take all actions within its powers…to ensure both that all residents and visitors feel welcome and to make clear that there is no room in Ballston Spa for racism and hatred.”
It adds that board members “will welcome recommendations from all residents regarding appropriate steps the village can take to underscore and strongly communicate the village’s policy of openness and inclusivity.”
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