A total of 230 Mayors, including many from Florida, have signed the Oklahoma City Declaration, a document that opposes political violence in all of its forms.
“We work together despite being registered with different political parties, or with no political party at all. We embrace our shared experience as mayors, as humans, and as Americans,” the Mayors wrote. “With this declaration, we reject political violence and recommit to the American experiment.”
Mayors from Florida who signed on include Boca Raton’s Scott Singer, Coral Springs’ Scott Brook, Davie’s Judith Paul, Deltona’s Santiago Avila Jr., Fort Lauderdale’s Dean J. Trantalis, Gainesville’s Harvey Ward, Hallandale Beach’s Joy Cooper, Jacksonville’s Donna Deegan, Lake Worth Beach’s Betty Resch, North Miami’s Alix Desulme, North Miami Beach’s Michael Joseph, Oakland Park’s Tim Lonergan, Orlando’s Buddy Dyer, Panama City’s Allan Branch, Pembroke Pines’ Angelo Castillo, Pensacola’s D.C. Reeves, Pompano Beach’s Rex Hardin, Tampa’s Jane Castor, and Winter Springs’ Kevin McCann.
“We will condemn those who use or condone political violence, and will seek full accountability for their actions, even if their political position was one with which we agreed,” the Mayors wrote.
“At some point we have to start seeing each other’s humanity,” Deegan added. “I know these are difficult times, but even in our passionate disagreements we won’t find our way back with hate for each other. Let’s choose love over fear. It has never been more important than it is now.”
