Mayor Cassidy Suspends Raising the Flag of the People’s Republic of China at San Leandro City Hall

Sept. 19, 2013 - PRLog -- Mayor Stephen Cassidy today suspended the City Council’s decision to raise the flag of the People’s Republic of China at the San Leandro City Hall on October 1, 2013.

“San Leandro does not fly the flags of other nations at our City Hall.  We need to call a ‘time out’ and allow the community to weigh in on whether or not we should raise the flags of other governments before jumping ahead of ourselves and hosting the flag of a specific government at City Hall,” stated Mayor Cassidy.

“I recognize this decision will disappoint many in our Chinese-American community.  I greatly value and am tremendously thankful to our Chinese-American community for its many and significant contributions to the welfare of the people and economy of San Leandro.  We are proud that San Leandro today is one of the most diverse cities in California and the U.S.,” added Mayor Cassidy.  "Those in our community wishing to celebrate the founding of the People’s Republic of China are welcome to use one of our parks, as are other groups celebrating key dates and events of the nation of their origin.”

Background

The City of San Leandro does not possess any guidelines on nor have a practice of raising the flags of other nations at its City Hall.

On September 16, 2013, on a 4 to 3 vote, with Mayor Cassidy and Councilmembers Pauline Cutter and Michael Gregory dissenting, the City Council approved the flying of the flag of the People’s Republic of China in place of the flag of the City of San Leandro at the San Leandro City Hall on October 1, 2013.  The National Day of China, marking the founding of the People’s Republic of China, falls on October 1.

Under the San Leandro City Charter, the Mayor possesses the authority to suspend implementation of any action taken by the Council, within three days after such action.  The matter is then placed as a motion for reconsideration for the Council to consider at its next regularly-scheduled meeting.  The next regularly-scheduled meeting of the City Council will occur on October 7, 2013.

About San Leandro

A diverse community of nearly 85,000 residents, San Leandro maintains a safe, small town feel while offering a wide range of shopping, dining, recreation amenities, miles of shoreline, and easy access to nearby regional parks and nature areas.

With access to two international airports, BART, two highways, the Port of Oakland, Silicon Valley, the highly-skilled Bay Area workforce, and a business-friendly approach by City staff, San Leandro is an ideal location for both established tech businesses and start ups to be more productive and successful. San Leandro features miles of shoreline and award-winning restaurants and coffee shops. The city is ready and able to meet the needs of the businesses today and in the future.  Learn more by watching the San Leandro "Get Connected!" video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SnQI7cQ0UY.



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