Danvers 'Thin Blue Line' Advocates Frustrated With Town Meeting

Danvers MA

27 October, 2020

1:46 PM

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DANVERS, MA – Supporters of a special town meeting article that would have allowed the "thin blue line" flag to fly on Danvers town property and shown support for law enforcement in an "appropriate and meaningful way" expressed disappointment after town meeting members voted to take "no action" on the proposals at Monday night's meeting. The vote comes after a months-long back and forth regarding the flag's appropriateness on town vehicles as those advocating a public show of support for law enforcement debated those who argue the flag can be viewed as a political statement that can make some feel uneasy or not welcomed in the community. "We feel as though we did what we could to bring an issue to light," said Keith Lucy, who represents the group Citizens to Restore Respect of First Responders in the Town of Danvers, which gained the necessary signatures to put the article up for town meeting discussion, "but are, of course, dissatisfied with the outcome and the level of debate that was allowed. "At every turn, obstacles were put in our way, and we were forced to adjust requests in order to make them more acceptable. We were told 'no' at every turn. We can accept no as an answer, but when that answer comes after cutting debate short, which happened at the last Select Board meeting and (Monday) night, the answer should be considered invalid." While the town issued a joint statement with public safety officials on Sept. 18 stating support for law enforcement, as well as calling for an atmosphere of inclusiveness for all Danvers residents, Lucy said it amounted to "nothing but words on a piece of paper." "No, we do not think that the town has done enough to express its support for law enforcement and public safety officials," said Lucy, a former Select Board member, "because, frankly, what have they done expect put a few words on a piece of paper? "In these troubling times, actions speak louder than words and empty promises, yet words and empty promises are all that we have heard from the town." Monday night's special town meeting was held in the Danvers High field house with a limited amount of speakers allowed on both sides of the issue. Lucy said attempts were made to modify the request for a more substantial show of support for law enforcement — including one proposal to have the flags formally recognized as a gift to the town and flown throughout each May — but that he felt his group ran into roadblocks at each turn. "This issue was, and continues to be, a significant issue in the town of Danvers," Lucy said, "and the town meeting body dismisses it after only four speakers were allowed to address it. "Police officers across the country wake up in the morning and are afraid to go to work," he concluded. "Wouldn't it be nice to have them also see their flag flying, regardless of which one is chosen, that demonstrates that the community respects them for the dangerous work that they do?" More Patch Coverage: A Plea For Danvers Unity Amid 'Thin Blue Line' Flag Dispute New Danvers Fire Chief Responds To 'Thin Blue Line' Flag Dispute Danvers Petition To Put 'Thin Blue Line' Flag Use Up To Vote Danvers Union Chief Condemns 'Vicious' Attacks On Town Officials Danvers Selectmen Affirm Removal Of 'Thin Blue Line' Flags