Council denounces discrimination

Avon Lake City Council voted unanimously Oct. 26 in favor of two resolutions that addressed equity, despite some passionate opposition from residents.

In a debate stretching back to August, council voted to denounce all forms of discrimination in recognition of recent incidences of police brutality.

Mayor Greg Zilka said people live in a complex world and discrimination of numerous forms exist in the United States, even if unintentional or based on naiveté.

When issues of social importance arise, it is essential that Avon Lake show leadership in standing up and making a statement, Zilka said.

“People are insensitive to the way they present themselves, but it does exist and it’s systemic,” he said. “We are not just a city on an island amongst ourselves here.

“We are part of Lorain County; we are part of Ohio; and we are part of this country. So, when things happen throughout the country, and issues are involved with regard to any of these particular issues, we really have an obligation to stand up and make a statement.”

Alluding to protests in reaction to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May and other instances of police brutality, Zilka said speaking out was a necessary good.

The mayor and the city of Avon Lake have made international headlines in years past in acknowledging the city had an opioid problem, which received some backlash.

“It does us good to declare ourselves in opposition to these things that could creep up throughout the country, and from timeto-time, in our community,” Zilka said. “It takes a lot of courage for people to stand up and express a point of view on either side on this.

“I respect the individuals who have sent me letters and comments this evening. But, we all need to do better. We all need to try to work to get along, because we felt it’s going to be a little difficult the next number of years in our country if we cannot learn to live together, if we cannot learn to respect each other and respect each other’s point of view.”

The anti-discrimination resolution denounces all forms of racism, homophobia, sexism, xenophobia, religious discrimination and disability.

It reaffirms the city’s commitment to being a welcoming place to all people regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender, nation of origin, religion, disability status or any other immutable characteristic.

Avon Lake Ward 4 Councilman David Kos said the resolution doesn’t grant any additional powers and simply reaffirms the city’s commitment to denouncing all forms of discrimination.

“I want to be very clear about this, that the city of Avon lake is not a discriminating community,” Kos said. “It is not a racist community. It is not xenophobic, it is not a homophobic.

“I do not believe that; I do not think that is the case. That being said, there is not a wall around the city, and that doesn’t mean there cannot be an incident.”

A second resolution creates a Community Relations Board and repeals the city’s affirmative action commission created in 1986.

The Community Relations Board will examine hiring practices for the city of Avon Lake:

• Analyze civil service testing and recruitment procedures

• Review and evaluate departmental policies of inclusion and diversity training

• Support the community’s efforts to recruit, orientate and retain roles for any protected classes

• Encourage and support safe and sound performance and management practices

The board would consist of the law director, finance director, human resources director, chair of Avon Lake City Council’s Human Resources Committee and two community members.

Board members would meet at least once a year.

Kos, who chairs the City Council Safety Committee, dispelled some concerns that the board would serve as a grievance committee, opening up the city to lawsuits and complaints.

“This is not for neighbor against neighbor to come settle disputes about what could be going on,” he said. “This is, as Mr. (K.C.) Zuber, stated codified with the HR director, the finance director, what we’re already doing here and what the state and federal law requires us to do.

“To make sure that we are doing what we are supposed to do.”

Residents respond

Several Avon Lake residents expressed opposition to both proposals in person, and through letters and text messages to Council.

Resident Mary Schneider opposed both measures, she said.

Of the anti-discrimination resolution, Schneider stated her belief the proposal was vague and divisive and did not define racism, believing it could lead to lawsuits.

Al Schiazza concurred, telling Council he saw no need for the city to go in this direction.

Schiazza said he did not believe Avon Lake had a problem with discrimination stating he feels the resolution is a guilt trip.

“We’re a great city; we’ve been a great city for the 31 years I’ve lived here, and I’m sure for quite a bit longer than that,” he said. “So, I think it’s putting out a flag that’s unnecessary.

“It’s doing the opposite of what you’re hoping to do: it’s not needed.”

Zilka