TO: City Council
FROM: Mayor Anna Peterson & Council President Steve McCoid
SUBJECT:
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Censure of Councilor Daniel Benjamin
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
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MOTION:
We move to publicly censure Councilor Daniel Benjamin for conduct inappropriate to the dignity of the office of a Salem City Councilor, and strongly encourage him to resign as City Councilor of Ward 6, effective immediately.
DISCUSSION:
Council is no doubt aware of the controversy that has arisen due to a violent and disturbing video that Councilor Daniel Benjamin reposted on his personal Facebook page. The video, originally posted by an individual named Ron Dwyer, shows apparent Black Lives Matter protesters, who were blocking public streets in protest, being intentionally run over by vehicles. The video is accompanied by the caption from the original poster, stating, “As this video shows people are starting to get tired of BlackLivesMatter bullies blocking the roadways.” The video appeared on Councilor Benjamin’s personal Facebook page from November 17th until November 22nd when the page was closed.
The images in the video are repulsive. Both the actions captured in the video, and any implication that such actions are understandable or acceptable, are repugnant to common decency.
The Salem City Council is firmly committed to upholding and respecting residents’ civil rights, and ensuring that Salem is a welcoming and inclusive community for all people. Further Council Rule 8(b) provides that councilors shall, at all times, while in session or otherwise, conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the dignity of their office.
We respect everyone’s right to freedom of expression, and acknowledge that Councilor Benjamin did not expressly support the repugnant images in the video that he displayed on his personal Facebook page. Nonetheless, we are saddened and dismayed that a city councilor would repost such a divisive and inflammatory video. We believe it is important that Council publicly denounce such violence, and express our disapproval of Councilor Benjamin’s actions.
We ask that Council publicly censure Councilor Benjamin for his conduct, which is inappropriate to the dignity of the office of city councilor, and call on him to resign as City Councilor of Ward 6, effective immediately.
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