KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County commission has taken a stand on the Israel – Hamas war, and the Portage city council did too, sort of.
The county board split 5 to 3 on the resolution, which was added to the agenda just last night. It calls for an immediate cease fire and the release of all hostages.
Chair Pro Tem Jeff Heppler voted no, saying it’s not their business.
But Commissioner Jen Strebs strongly disagreed.
The Portage City Council adopted a generic request for peace everywhere. Mayor Patricia Randall read it.
But a number of residents said they wanted and expected more from the council.
They did not get it. Mayor Randall admitted it was compromise language, needed to get it passed.
Mayor Pro Tem Jim Pearson suggested there was disagreement among the council members about what it should say.
A growing number of communities in the U.S. and many of Israel’s allies in Europe are now also calling for a cease fire as the civilian death toll in Gaza has passed 20,000.
Both the city of Kalamazoo and county resolutions state they will be sent on to federal officials for their consideration.
The Portage resolution has no such stipulation.
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