For A Few Minutes
What happened at the February 24 Council Meeting was a level of disrespect I have ever encountered in my years of public service in Watertown. It was humiliating and hurtful, especially since it was witnessed by my wife, Mary. Over the years, I have addressed many Watertown boards, and they were respectful. In more than 36 years, I do not recall any board, as a whole, walking out on any speaker. I was taken aback by the Councilors’ immediate departure in the midst of my speaking, particularly from a board I once served on.
It appears that a new norm has been established in one of our most important committees, and mutual respect is no longer of interest to the Council. While I have never seen a member of the community treated in this fashion, I have seen Board Members walk out on their colleagues. The Resolution addressed Trump’s recent posting and prior comments. I understand politics, and perhaps Trump feels such animosity toward Obama that he feels compelled to lash out depicting him as an ape. However, he included Michelle, who is not in an elected position nor ever has been, demonstrating his disrespect for all Black Americans.
Watertown has always been a leader in Social Justice; therefore, I was confident the city would adopt a resolution affirming that it respects and values Black residents. I sent the following email to Mark, cc’ing the Councilors on February 17, 2026, with the attached draft. The Councilors’ actions would be forgivable if they were unaware of the content and language of the resolution.
“Hi Mark,
I returned this past Friday to learn of the demeaning depiction that was posted on Trump’s Social Media Platform. I intended to present the enclosed Draft Resolution to the Council during the Public Forum. However, I am aware that rules dictate that no action is taken regarding issues brought to the attention of the Council by means of Public Forum.
Therefore, I am requesting consideration from you to include the Draft in this Friday’s Package for consideration and discussion during the Council’s meeting this upcoming Tuesday, February 24th.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Best regards,
Clyde”
(For brevity, below are only the first three lines of the Resolution.)
DRAFT RESOLUTION
A Resolution of the Watertown City Council Denouncing Racist Imagery Posted on President Trump’s Social Media Account
WHEREAS, the City of Watertown affirms its commitment to dignity, equality, and respect for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background; and
WHEREAS, on a latenight post on February 5 and early morning February 6, 2026, images depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes appeared on the official social media account of the President of the United States; and …
Mark emailed me back stating that he is not going to put it on the agenda — without stating a
reason. I had seen the Feb. 10th recording, coupled with the response of the two most recent
Resolutions was asked to present to no avail, angeringly, I emailed Mark and Vinnie: “Not to be
crass, but be prepared for me to embarrass you next week. If two people have control over the
entire agenda of the legislative body and the policies of the town, we may as well not have any
other Councilors.” I also suggested they have the police there because that was the only way I
was going to relinquish the floor.
They had a police officer.
Over the years, we have had recesses, and unless going into Executive Session, we used this period to mingle with residents in attendance. The chair calling for a recess does not mandate Councilors to retreat from their seats and hustle off to the Council office. Recess is common and, unless going into Executive Session, recess was often used by Councilors to mingle with those in attendance.
Regarding the mass exit, as a Councilor, I would never have allowed myself to be used in this manner; nor, as Council President, would I have placed my colleagues in such a poor position.
I wish to thank (Lena or young lady) that relinquished her allocated Public Forum time during the Tuesday, February 24 Council Meeting. The kind gesture on her part is certainly appreciated.
Clyde L. Younger
Former Town Council President & School Committee Member
The only resolution from the public that I know of that has passed the council was the Fair Share Act, and that was because tax monies would impact Watertown directly. If the council is not the body to pass a resolution in which Watertown affirms all people are created equal and Watertown does not stand with those who disparage others because of race, then maybe it is the Human Rights Commission. I am not sure if they could do a resolution but they could be asked. Maybe another route is a petition. I would gladly sign such a petition!