Milan commits to continue pledge and prayer

    MILAN - Village manager Marcella Sandoval reported, at the October 17 meeting, that Milan had received a letter from former Clovis mayor David Landsford. Responding to Sandoval's explanation of the letter, trustees expressed concern that future federal judicial system rulings may ban spoken prayer and/or recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance at public meetings.

    Landsford's letter urged Milan's adoption of a resolution “supporting the constitution of the United States.” With specific references to the First and Second Amendments, it ended (to) “...urge all federally elected officials to refrain from any effort to reduce or regulate any rights expressed or written in the constitution of the United States.” Impetus for adoption of such a resolution, according to the Clovis document: “Currently under consideration by the United States Congress is legislation that would through regulation, taxation or restriction alter the fundamental rights found in … the constitution….” The Clovis resolution was adopted September 10, 2009.

    Trustee Ellen Baca stated Milan officials have opened meetings with the pledge and a prayer “for a long time.” She felt eliminating either/or both of these practices “would be un-American.”

During the November workshop the topic was discussed again. Sandoval agreed to pursue a resolution for trustees' consideration at a future meeting. She explained, “A proposed resolution is not available until presented for board of trustees' review.” Legal counsel Bruce Boynton commented, “I'm not familiar with the letter and resolution (from Landsford).”

Trustee George Knotts said, “I want to be able to say the pledge at meetings. I don't want it eliminated. I'd like to keep the opening prayer at the meetings too. I know schools are cutting out prayers. It's not cause they want to but because they have to.”

    Mayor Tom Ortega averred. “We always have the pledge before meetings. I don't think anyone needs to put out any resolution. We don't need any further discussion.” Referring to the opening prayer at meetings he continued, “We also say a prayer. We will continue to say a prayer.”

Earlier this week, referring to a possible resolution, Baca clarified, “We're still kicking it around. The League of Municipalities instructed us it's up to each entity. Milan can choose to do it or not.”

Baca is aware some people are offended by phrases in the pledge such as “One nation under God…” and U.S. currency printed with “In God we trust…” To those concerns she responds, “The resolution would keep alive an American practice…we were founded as a Christian nation.” She worries atheists could cause changes in current wording of the pledge. Commenting on existing practices Baca strongly emphasized, “We feel this is as American as apple pie. If you are an American, you should stand up, say the pledge and say a prayer. The flag stands for the veterans who have served all of us.”

The mayor said, “There's no need for a resolution. In our area citizens are very American. Everyone loves this country.”