Thursday night, during public comment of the regular meeting of the Hampton City Council, more residents spoke out in response to councilmember Bill Hodge and statements he made on February 3rd regarding ICE making arrests in the area.
Hampton resident Crystal Wolvers asked the council to consider if Hodge’s comments aligned with the city’s leadership statement.
“I would like to start by addressing the statement made by Mayor Birdsall on February 10, 2025, that Mr. Hodge’s comments can be seen as distasteful to some he was exercising his right to free speech. The board is correct that everyone is entitled to free speech. It does not allot them from freedom of consequence. I would also ask that each member of council take a strong look at the city leadership endeavor that is presented every meeting and ask themselves if the comments made by Mr. Hodge on February 3, 2025 align with said statement. I do not feel the statements made on February 3rd, 2025 by Mr. Hodge, embody any of this mission statement. Statements such as these enact to divide in our community.”
Hampton resident Jeanne Fay spoke on Hampton’s diverse population.
“City council members are not judge, jury and executioner, or in this case, assistance to immigration, customs and enforcement agents. According to the 2020 census, Hampton’s population was 4,337 residents. 28.8% of that number are Hispanic or Latino. That amounts to 1,249 residents. These residents bring value to this community. They live (here), work, own businesses, own homes, and pay taxes in this community. Without them, this community would die.”
Decorah City Councilmember, Christopher Miculinich, was present to give his thoughts as an elected official on Hodge’s remark.
“It was deeply disheartening to hear a recent comment made at a previous meeting by an elected official suggesting that if INS/ICE were to return, the police chief should send them his way because he could provide them with names of individuals. What was also disappointing was seeing that no other council member spoke up or challenged this statement when it was made by council member Bill Hodge. I want to offer a friendly reminder that a municipal government exists to serve the people, all people, regardless of party lines or personal affiliations. It is our duty as public officials to lead with integrity, fairness, and a commitment to the well-being of our entire communities.”
Hodge did not offer a council report Thursday.
Full comments from Thursday’s meeting can be here:
