State Journal-Register
Jason Nevel
A large crowd in support of a resolution to designate Springfield as a “welcoming city” left the Springfield City Council chamber dejected Tuesday after seven aldermen voted to table the measure.
The resolution now has an uncertain path forward, as Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin pointed out Tuesday it will take a super majority vote for it to resurface.
McMenamin was one of three aldermen who cast votes against tabling the resolution at the council’s Committee of the Whole meeting. The others were the resolution’s sponsor, Ward 6 Ald. Kristin DiCenso, and Ward 9 Ald. Jim Donelan.
DiCenso said the resolution would have affirmed Springfield as a “welcoming city” to let immigrants and refugees know they are an important part of the community. The resolution, she said, was not a sanctuary city initiative, which prevents local police from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 