Concerned about a proposed business boycott over U.S. Rep. Allen West's scheduled appearance Aug. 8 at the Wilton Manors Business Association meeting, the city's elected officials issued the following statement.
"The Mayor and Commission of the City of Wilton Manors would like to make clear that while they do not support Congressman West’s positions on equality for the GLBT community, the City is against the threatened action to call for a boycott of local businesses," according to a city news release.
"It should be clear that Ms. Celeste Ellich, current President of the Wilton Manors Business Association (WMBA) does not in any way speak for the City of Wilton Manors nor does she represent the City in any capacity. As a private citizen and head of a private organization, she is free to rent our facility and invite anyone as a featured speaker. Neither the City nor its businesses were involved in her decision to invite Congressman West."
Added Mayor Gary Resnick:
"Calling for an economic boycott of our business community because you do not happen to agree with Ms. Ellich’s invitation to Congressman West is
not only counterproductive, but is irresponsible. As a member of the GLBT Caucus, I was taken aback that such action would even be suggested.”
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