After discussing, councilors decide to pause a decision on the proposal for ‘a couple of months’
Ken Vance, editor
Clark County Today
It didn’t take newly elected Councilor Wil Fuentes much time to garner some significant attention from observers of the Clark County Council.
Prior to Tuesday’s council meeting, the first of the new year, Fuentes (District 3) and fellow councilor Matt Little (District 4) were sworn-in to their positions on the council. At Wednesday’s Council Time meeting, Fuentes raised more than a few eyebrows when he suggested the invocation be removed from County Council meetings. Fuentes later added that he believed the councilors should also consider removing the Pledge of Allegiance, although after a discussion he later appeared to rescind that idea.
“The invocation,’’ Fuentes said. “I’d like to consider removing it from these council meetings as I don’t believe that it’s necessary. I just don’t believe that we should be mixing business with religious prayers or anything like that.’’
Councilor Michelle Belkot then pointed out that “the Pledge of Allegiance includes some God.’’
“We should probably be considering removing that as well,’’ Fuentes answered.
“That’s part of the American Pledge of Allegiance,’’ Belkot replied. “And we’re all Americans.’’
“For the sake of time and to be more efficient and to ensure that we’re here to conduct business, I don’t believe that these two items need to be part of the council meetings,’’ Fuentes said.
The councilors discussed the potential removal of the invocation from council meetings, with opinions divided on its necessity and appropriateness. Belkot and other councilors pointed out that invocations are common in council meetings and often non-denominational, with moments of silence being an alternative.
Councilor Glen Yung suggested deferring the decision for a few months to allow new councilors to experience the process and provide input. Councilor Matt Little and others expressed openness to alternatives such as land acknowledgments or general reflections while emphasizing inclusivity and sensitivity to diverse beliefs.
County Manager Kathleen Otto noted that the invocation is not restricted to prayers and can include various forms of reflection, but it has predominantly been prayers due to community preferences. Councilors agreed to explore practices in nearby jurisdictions and consider broader outreach to ensure inclusivity. A resolution on the invocation process will be shared with councilors for review. Otto said that staff will limit their research to local practices and bring findings back for further discussion.
The council decided to revisit the topic after reviewing additional information, emphasizing a need for transparency, inclusivity, and public input before making any changes.
Also read:
- Vancouver Police release critical incident video from Dec. 28 officer-involved shooting
Vancouver Police Department released a Critical Incident Video related to a December 28 officer-involved shooting while the Office of Independent Investigations continues its review. - Opinion: Transit agencies need accountability not increased state subsidy
Charles Prestrud argues that Washington transit agencies face rising costs and declining ridership due to governance structures that lack public accountability. - Letter: ‘For years, American foreign policy too often felt like a blank check’
Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi argues that the 2025 National Security Strategy marks a long-overdue shift toward clearer priorities, shared responsibility, and interest-based American leadership. - POLL: Are you better off than you were a year ago?
This week’s poll asks readers to reflect on their personal financial situation and whether they feel better off than they were a year ago as economic conditions continue to shift. - Opinion: Does tailgating cause speeding?
Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl examines whether tailgating contributes to speeding and explains why following too closely increases crash risk with little benefit. - Opinion: ‘The Democrats’ part of the bargain’
Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance reflects on a New Year’s Eve encounter and a Bill Maher commentary to assess what he sees as cultural and political changes from the past year. - Free fares on New Year’s Eve is a big hit with C-TRAN riders
C-TRAN’s New Year’s Eve free-fare program provided extended late-night service and a safe transportation option for riders across Clark County just after midnight.
wpDiscuz
