‘One Human Family’ reaffirmed, with one dissenting vote

BY PRU SOWERS

KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

Taking a stand to reaffirm the official Key West philosophy of “One Human Family,” city commissioners said the move was necessary in light of the contentious political climate expected to continue after President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

One Human Family was first adopted by city commissioners in 2000 and reaffirmed on its 10-year anniversary in 2010. The philosophy urges residents and visitors to actively care for and support each other, “affirming human rights and resisting any efforts to demonize neighbors, take political revenge, legislate discrimination or hate and fear.” Rev. Randy Becker, who had asked Commissioner Sam Kaufman to bring the resolution up at the commission’s Dec. 6 meeting, said the reaffirmation was a “statement to the world” that Key West will not retreat from its commitment to protect and defend its citizens’ rights.

“It says to the world that we’re not going back. We’re going forward until the promises of our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution are fulfilled and sustained,” Becker said.

Commissioner Clayton Lopez added an amendment to the resolution asking that it be sent to the city’s state and federal representatives, as well as President-elect Trump.

“This is not the first time Key West has recognized the need for this,” he said.

Kaufman said some residents are afraid that many of their rights and freedoms may be taken away under a Trump administration. Kaufman called Key West the “best community in the United States” because citizens’ rights are recognized and respected.

“In large part, it’s great because of One Human Family,” he said. “It’s great because of how people respect each other and how open we are. People are safe here to be who they are without fear of retribution.”

Commissioner Margaret Romero was the lone vote against reaffirming One Human Family as the city’s official philosophy. She said passing the resolution would deepen the political divide that the presidential election exposed.

“This [One Human Family philosophy] is what we all, as elected officials, took an oath to do. By saying that we reaffirm it, it kind of says did we really mean what we said when took an oath,” she said.

Romero also said she was concerned about the clause in the resolution that called for “supporting each other,” worried that it could be construed to mean monetary support.

“I’ve often said at this dais that I don’t think our city should be in the social services business, per se,” she said.

But Commissioner Jimmy Weekley then gave an impassioned statement, saying he disagreed with Romero. He told a story about when he was mayor of Key West and attended a mayor’s conference, having to convince his colleagues of the need for citizen rights protection long before it was politically popular to do so.

“It’s important that we always let others know who we are as citizens of Key West. We are citizens who accept everyone for who they are,” he said, adding, “I believe one small voice can start many voices in support of something that is so important, not only to this community but to this country as a whole.”

Mayor Craig Cates took the opportunity to link One Human Family to his efforts to build a new overnight shelter for the city’s homeless population.

“I hope this resolution shows this commission wants to move forward with that and help the least fortunate in this community,” he said.

The voice to reaffirm One Human Family was 6-1, with Romero dissenting.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]