[September 19, 2025] “On September 16th, the YRTC asked us to co-host a nonpartisan candlelight vigil led by local faith leaders and without participation by politicians,” said YDC Co-Chair Peter Cleary. “I immediately agreed and emphasized at a Town Board meeting that evening (see below) that the event should be led only by the faith community, not politicians.”
“Unfortunately, the YRTC later insisted that local politicians–some running now for reelection–be featured speakers at the event. During an election season, politicians are too likely to turn public events into point-scoring. Local faith leaders would have been a far better choice to help our community heal from national political violence,” added Cleary.
“We remain committed to condemning political violence and turning down the heat on local and national politics,” said Cleary, “and we stand ready to work with any organization toward these goals.”
# # #
Contact: Peter Cleary, Co-Chair, (347) 322-9695.