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March 11, 2022

Quote of the Week

Since it’s Women’s History Month, we’ll feature quotes from, about and for women during March.

Proclaiming that Auburn is Amazing!

On Monday night I had a long list of proclamations and they all were amazing. Proclamations are one of the many things I really enjoy doing because they give the mayor a chance to to recognize the importance of a community event, significant achievements by community members, or to signal a city's role in significant national events. The bottom line is that is gives others in our community a positive recognition from their mayor that they are seen and heard and that we appreciate them! Here are the four proclamations I issued this week:

Tamil Heritage Day

I was pleased to have our Deputy Mayor James Jeyaraj (who is of Tamil heritage) and representatives from the Seattle Tamil Sangam on hand to receive the proclamation. They issued the following statement after receiving it:

நமது தொன்மையான மொழி, கலாச்சாரம், பண்பாடு, வாழ்வியலைப் பெருமைப்படுத்தும் விதமாக, மார்ச் 9ம் நாளை தமிழர் பாரம்பரிய நாளாக அறிவித்த ஆபர்ன் பெருநகர மேயர், துணை மேயர் மற்றும் உறுப்பினர்கள் அனைவருக்கும் உலகத்தமிழ்ச் சமூகம் சார்பாக நன்றி பாராட்டுகிறோம்.

(On behalf of the World Tamil Community, we thank the Auburn Metropolitan Mayor, Deputy Mayor and members who declared March 9th as Tamil Heritage Day, in honor of our ancient language, culture, and lifestyle.)

Mayor Nancy Backus, Deputy Mayor James Jeyaraj and representatives from the Seattle Tamil Sangam

Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month! American women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and other movements, especially the peace movement, which create a more fair and just society for all; and despite these contributions, the role of American women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued, in the literature, teaching and study of American history. Let's all make sure we lift up the women and girls in all of our lives!

Problem Gambling Awareness Month

This proclamation was suggested to us by Councilmember Chris Stearns. Councilmember Stearns has served on the Washington State Gambling Commission and is known in our region as a strong advocate for gaming and believes that it is important that the gambling industry and the mental health, primary care treatment and recovery communities join together to increase public awareness of problem gambling, its high co-occurrence with anxiety and substance use disorders, and to take measures to address this addiction. We fully support healthy habits when it comes to gambling.

Solidarity for Ukraine

My full proclamation is below. Please pray for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters.

WHEREAS, previously ruled by the Soviet Union, Ukraine gained sovereignty in 1991 in pursuit of a true democracy allowing for freedom of religion, speech, and cultivating their rich culture; and

WHEREAS, on February 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full scale attack on the Ukrainian government and democracy itself forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes and families to seek refuge; and

WHEREAS, the United States condemns this blatant violation of international law calling this action "Unprovoked and Unjustified" reassuring their support for all actions taken by the Ukrainian military and all those involved; and

WHEREAS, Auburn is home to many Ukrainian families that add to our rich diversity within our community; and

WHEREAS, we share our support for all those who are deeply worried about the safety and welfare of their loved ones; and 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Nancy Backus, Mayor of the city of Auburn, do hereby proclaim

"SOLIDARITY FOR UKRAINE"

and encourage all residents to stand united with our Slavic community in friendship and support for peace.