MOUNT VERNON — Noting she wanted to “clear the air and get some facts on the table,” Experience Mount Vernon Board Chair Lisa Lloyd explained the downtown banner campaign at Monday’s city council meeting.
The organization showcases cultural and civic events, activities, and general public-interest events on 54 pole banners on Main and High streets.
Nonprofits and businesses can fly banners for a small fee, but Lloyd said nonprofits fly the majority.
“Anything that comes from the banner program goes into downtown beautification efforts such as flower baskets, litter control, plowing the sidewalks in the wintertime, and that type of thing,” she told council.
Nonprofits and businesses conduct banner campaigns for nine months. In May, November, and December, the banners reflect Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the holiday season, respectively.
“I say all of that because recently our banner program has been put into question by citizens and council as a whole,” Lloyd said.
Referring to resident Tom Wise’s request to prepay for 14 Vietnam vets’ banners, Lloyd said if Experience Mount Vernon honored his request, it would have to honor similar requests from all veterans.
With only 54 poles, 5,000 living veterans in the county, and many more deceased, that is problematic.
Seeking a solution
Experience Mount Vernon discounted Wise’s rate for his 2023 banners and hung them free of charge for Memorial Day month in 2024. The organization also gave him dates and the process to renew the banners when the renewal period opens.
“Since Aug. 12, we have had many conversations with Mr. Wise, received a rather aggressive letter from him boycotting Experience Mount Vernon as well as all board members’ businesses, and been subject to a lot of hateful allegations from the community at large,” Lloyd said.
Additionally, she said the organization has worked to find a permanent solution, such as placing the banners at American Heritage Park.
“He has since declined our help, but we are still working to honor those 14 veterans because we do believe they deserve our respect and honor,” Lloyd said.
The situation led the board to change its banner campaign policy. The board will still reserve May and November for veterans but will move away from individual pictures and names to a more general appreciation.
“Our downtown supports and honors the veterans in our community and wants to continue efforts to make our downtown a vibrant place to live, work, and visit,” Lloyd said.
She thanked the city’s street department for its help in hanging the banners each month.
