Wading into international affairs, the Albany Common Council has passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The resolution had been under discussion since November, weeks after Hamas’ October 7th attack on Israel. Some councilors had hoped it would go to committee weeks ago, which it never did. Large public demonstrations held outside city hall pressured councilors to take action, and they did Thursday night, passing a modified version of the measure.
After a lengthy public comment period, resolution co-sponsor Gabriella Romero of the 6th ward read the resolution prior to the vote.
"I think it's important for purpose of the public and for full transparency that this document is read, because there were modifications that were made to the document and it is not what is actually being noted on Facebook," said Romero.
Romero stressed that the resolution is an effort to try to end the war.
"I think it's extremely important that we're passing this and I want the city of Albany to know that this document is a ceasefire document, that this document is supporting peace and that this document is trying to end the war and end the violence ceasefire now, Romero said."
14th Ward Councilor Deb Zamer says 500 people signed a petition asking the council not to pass the resolution. Zamer voted "No."
"I represent a large Jewish community here in Albany, many who have family and friends in Israel," said Zamer. "Even some who know hostages currently being held in Gaza. Countless numbers of them have written us emails, and 500 people signed a petition asking us not to pass this resolution. Not because they support in any way the horrors befalling the Palestinian people. But because Israel was brutally attacked by the terrorist group Hamas, because they like I believe unequivocally that Israel has a right to exist, needs to exist for the Jewish people and has a right to defend itself. Because I feel, because I feel this resolution is motivated by an underlying belief that Israel does not have a right to exist, and even a hatred of Israel. I cannot support it."
The vote tally: 10 in favor, two against, one present, and two abstentions.
8th ward councilor Jack Flynn voted "no" with Zamer. Joyce Love of the 3rd ward voted "present." 12th ward councilor E. Hyde Clarke and the 15th ward's Tom Hoey were absent for the vote.
10th ward councilor Owusu Anane says the resolution was largely symbolic, meant to send a message to the local community that the council supports peace.
"People ask why don't we pass a resolution on a ceasefire regarding gun violence in Albany," Anane said. "My thing is this, we're already addressing it by providing our police department with the necessary resources that they need. You know, since I've been on the council, I have really advocated for more police funding year in and year out. And our mayor has really understood that then every year, we have increased the police budget by 8 to 12%. So we are providing the police department with every resource that we can provide to a police department. We also supported community organizations in trying to prevent gun violence in our city. And I think ultimately working with state and federal partners on ways to address gun violence directly."
A spokesman for Mayor Kathy Sheehan says the Democrat has no comment regarding the cease-fire resolution and will not be signing it.
