I hope and trust that the issue of religious seasonal displays on town property is finally resolved. I was glad to see the council members change their vote so to allow these displays to respectfully adorn the front of our town hall and to acknowledge the celebration of the holidays. A special thank you to Father Michael and Rabbi Mendy for sharing their opinions, comments and education with the council and audience. Also, thank you to all those who respectfully and passionately spoke on this issue that evening.
This was a council decision that was made from the heart and from the soul, which on this occasion, is the way elected officials should decide.
At the Wednesday night meeting, many citizens addressed the Council expressing that the displays would show a united community and acknowledged our American freedom that we together share and that many have fought and died for. However, there was opposition that made the claim of separation of state and church. Sadly, that claim was made lacking knowledge of the legislative intention and motive of that Constitutional phrase.
Additionally, there were other baseless opinions that supported the prior no vote: not enough lawn space, afraid of live animals in the Nativity, mayoral opposition to the interjection of religion on town property and the misconception of the Supreme Court rulings, which was incorrectly and inaccurately quoted by an elected official on Channel 12.
That being behind us, I look forward to a joyous holiday with displays expressing joy, freedom, family, reverence and unity.
Merry Christmas. Hanukkah Sameakh. Happy Holidays.
Joe Smolinski
West Milford Councilman