WDT: A Little Bit of Church Still a Part of NNY Government Meetings

   I didn't realize there were so many local governments still praying before their legislative meetings. We stopped reciting the Lord's Prayer in 1992 at City Hall, although there is a moment of silence at meetings and we have invocations at events like swearing in ceremonies on the first of the year.
   The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case in Greece NY involving an objection to pre-meeting prayer.
    Religion is a personal thing and even in a secular sense, religion helps provide a moral and ethical framework for society. I never felt reciting prayers was a particularly comfortable or appropriate kickoff to a Council meeting and that's why I ended the practice when I took office in 1992.
     No one has objected since, except during a 2007 mayoral campaign in which candidate and Reverand Tim LaBouf pledged to bring back prayer. He got 16% of the vote.
       One can respect the role and traditions of faith (as in mangers in the Square) without making religion a part of legislating as if what's done by Council has the imprimatur of the Almighty.
Watertown Daily Times | North Country officials weigh in on prayers at public meetings following Supreme Court debate