NORWICH - Sitting members of the county’s safety and rules committee are considering a draft resolution encouraging civility in the face of a movement of individuals displaying vulgar political flags and signage throughout the region.

Committee officials discussed the issue at length during their monthly meeting Wednesday, some arguing the county should take a symbolic gesture of favoring civil discourse while skirting action that infringes first amendment rights.

Officials ended the meeting with a decision to move ahead with a draft resolution, although still weighing the aftermath of such a decree and how it might be perceived by the public.

The committee refrained from the hot-button debate last month, saying they believe profane flags targeting Democratic politicians, namely President Joe Biden and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, falls under the First Amendment’s purview of freedom of speech and that any action taken to discourage even profane speech would be overstepping their authority.

Yet committee members are taking another look at that decision, arguing that while they can’t do anything about vulgar signage, a resolution promoting gentility would reflect their take on how local government should operate.

The issue was first brought to the committee’s attention in June by a letter sent from businessman Mark Golden, owner of Golden Artist Colors in New Berlin. In his letter, Golden stated his want for a resolution that encourages civility, especially when popular political signs using the “F-word” can be seen publicly.

In response, Golden began his “Keep it Kind” campaign which has garnered support from local residents who display #keepitkind signs in their yard.

Golden was invited to speak to the safety and rules committee Wednesday. A resolution encouraging civility, he said, would not be a restriction of freedom of speech but rather a symbolic gesture that promotes effective discourse, especially in today’s age of political decisiveness.

“If you’re only considering a resolution requesting civility in our community, and even if it’s only symbolic, it would be very much in line with what you do,” Golden told the committee. He cited previous symbolic resolutions passed by the county board - resolutions ranging from recognition of retired county employees, to appreciation of community members’ work in agriculture, to offering support for whole milk.

“People have the right to fly or post whatever they’d like on their private property … But this is not about First Amendment rights,” said Golden. “You can, as a legislative body, support First Amendment Rights and also take a stand for civility. This is about your responsibility of oversight, as well for the many organizations, resources, businesses that are supported with taxpayer funds that are being harmed by a lack of outrage and action that is currently being demonstrated by you, our leadership.”

“If you supported whole milk, we can support a resolution that speaks to civility for one another,” he added.

Golden’s sentiment was echoed by members of the safety and rules committee, some who argued that a lack of civility may actually be hurting the county’s image and, subsequently, its prospects to grow local commerce.

“I agree 100 percent,” said committee member Wayne Outwater (Lincklaen). “It doesn’t do anything for our tourism; it doesn’t do anything for new job creation in the county, and possibly bringing in new businesses - it does not help at all.”

Outwater also said the county might benefit by sharing a pro-civility stance with local organizations and businesses. “We could use their support,” he said.

If the committee brings a resolution to the Chenango County Board of Supervisors, it mustn’t be implied to limit free speech, said Board Chairman George Seneck. But it could share the philosophy: “Wouldn't the world be better if everyone were nice?”

“That’s something I really believe in,” Seneck said. “I think that we could perhaps have that as a foundation of what the board believes. I think if people are nice, if people are respectful - and it’s not going to be everybody - then we could have discussion.”

Though the committee moved to draft a resolution, they didn’t offer a timeline of when it would go to vote before the full county board.