Recently, the cities of Augusta and Hallowell were subjected to hateful incidents that shook our communities to their core.

In each city, racist, anti-Semitic, anti-LGBTQ+, and xenophobic language and tropes were spewed in public settings. In Augusta, an August rally by neo-Nazis and white supremacists included masked protestors giving Nazi salutes to passers-by; this followed swastikas that had been painted in Mill Park in late July.

In Hallowell, the September City Council meeting was Zoom-bombed with deeply offensive language that denigrated LGBTQ+ people, those of Jewish faith, and people of color.

These incidents profoundly disturbed area residents and members of our respective city councils, and made many people fear for their safety. Despite the broad and powerful rights to freedom of speech afforded the citizens of this nation, there are actions we can and will take to ensure decency in public discourse and protect our region’s residents from hateful, offensive, and frightening language.

Augusta is establishing a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee to highlight the ways the city can protect, include, and affirm all citizens, every day. Hallowell adopted a Granite City Values Statement that embraces and celebrates the full diversity of humanity and promotes accessibility, inclusion, and respect for all residents and visitors. We will be guided by these values as we enact approaches for civil public discourse.

As mayors, we pledge to work with our city councils and residents to make our cities better places for all, and to stand up to hate and discrimination in any and all forms. We also pledge to work with other cities that have been similarly impacted to promote fairness, diversity, equity, and understanding throughout Maine.

We ask that you join us in rejecting hate and bigotry, and ensuring that our cities feel safe and welcoming for all.