Board of Aldermen Page 20
July 12, 2016
R-16-049
Endorsers: Mayor Jim Donchess
Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire
Alderman Ben Clemons
Alderman Richard A. Dowd
Alderwoman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja
Alderman-at-Large Michael B. O’ Brien, Sr.
Alderman June M. Caron
Alderman Tom Lopez
Alderman-at-Large Brian S. McCarthy
AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A TWINNING (SISTER CITY) AGREEMENT
FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION WITH THE CITY OF
MYSORE, KARNATAKA STATE, INDIA
Given its second reading;
MOTION BY ALDERMAN DOWD FOR FINAL PASSAGE OF R-16-049
ON THE QUESTION
Alderman Siegel
I’m pretty sure this legislation is going to pass, but | am against it for a very specific reason. | certainly
respect the Indian population. As far as I’m concerned, I’m thrilled that we have a lot of immigration from
India and from Mysore here because it’s nothing but good. I’m 100 percent in favor of that. My problem
is | don't like legislation like this, frankly. | just think its empty stuff. | don’t believe that we are going to
send a delegation to Mysore because we don’t have the money. |’m trying to figure out what the net
benefit is for the city here. It’s kind of funny that we have a contract. What happens if we violate the
contract? Obviously I’m being facetious but we’ve had great success in having citizens migrate to
Nashua and contribute a lot to the city up to now. | don’t believe a twinning agreement matters. We have
a twinning agreement with South Korea. | don’t believe that ever materialized into anything either
detrimental or important. It was just a fantastic hand wave. The concept of being friendly with a city is
great; the concept of welcoming citizens into the city, | love it. | just personally can’t stand this kind of
feel-good legislation. It has no purpose whatsoever as far as I’m concerned. | know I'll go down in
massive flames, but | just felt like | had to say my peace on this just a matter of principle on legislation.
Alderman Lopez
| understand the hand wave, but | also think if someone offers you a high five, you don’t leave them
hanging. | think this is a good opportunity for us to formally recognize that we have that diverse
population and the opportunities and signal that to a city that is interested in partnering with us. | did
want to point out that the Cultural Connections Committee hadn’t actually gotten a chance to meet yet. |
would be really surprised if they were against it in any way. It’s still on their agenda so they can discuss
the outcome of tonight’s meeting no matter what.
Alderman Wilshire
| support this legislation. | think it’s good for our community. | think it’s good for the Indian population in
our community to feel that their government is supporting them and the contributions they make to our
community. What's the harm? | think this is really a good piece of legislation. There are some really
good people in the audience tonight and at home who really would like to see this happen. I’m going to
support it.
MOTION CARRIED
Resolution R-16-049 declared duly adopted.
