At-large City Councilman Matt Carlucci is trying to make sure his resolution partially funding the removal of Confederate monuments from public spaces gets a vote sooner than later.
In a letter to the entire Council this week, Carlucci said he welcomes meetings with fellow Council members to answer their questions, as his resolution is set to go before committees again next week.
"Many of us stood in solidarity with the Administration in June of 2020, demonstrating our shared commitment to remove Confederate monuments. That was nearly two years ago. Action is long overdue, and I have stated openly that now is Council’s time to step up and lead," the letter says.
Carlucci also addressed the forthcoming community conversation on Confederate monuments, to be moderated by facilitators from the University of Virginia. "I have always and will continue to support community input but cannot allow (this resolution) to be deferred for several more months, until the fall, or the end of the year," he wrote. "Their process—which may certainly be of benefit—need not stop us from moving forward on promises made."
Carlucci then reminded councilmembers that Mayor Lenny Curry has agreed to include the $500K in Carlucci's bill in his budget proposal for the next year. "I am confident that, after passage of the resolution, there are those who will step up and assist with any funding shortfalls," he said.
