🏛️ Policy Deep-Dive: City Flag Policy & Symbolism
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
🎯 Position Summary
“As your commissioner, I will uphold the integrity and neutrality of our public institutions. That means flying the city, state, and national flags — and no others.”
📜 Context
Recent Ask: The City of Helena Commission's recent discussion on whether to fly the LGBTQ+ pride flag on government buildings.
State Law: In 2025, Governor Gianforte signed legislation restricting the flying of non-governmental flags on state property, reflecting a push for political neutrality on public grounds.
Shawn's Stance:
Supports state law and its local application.
Opposes flying any flag other than the U.S. flag, the Montana state flag, and the City of Helena's official flag on city property.
⚖️ Rationale
Preserve Neutrality: Public buildings should represent all residents equally, regardless of political or cultural affiliation.
Avoid Precedent: If one advocacy or identity-based flag is allowed, it opens the door to many others, potentially creating division and politicizing city property.
Honor Tradition: The U.S., Montana, and Helena flags already represent the diversity, dignity, and democratic spirit of the people.
📢
Principle | Concern | White Wolf's Response |
Unity over division | Special-interest flags may alienate others | "Public space belongs to everyone. Let's keep it that way." |
Respect for the law | Montana's ban is statewide | "We will follow the law and focus our energy on service, not symbolism." |
Tradition matters | Citizens value heritage and identity | "Our city flag reflects who we are. Let's honor that, not replace it." |
"Every citizen, regardless of who they are or who they love, deserves respect and equal treatment. But our public buildings aren't the place for personal or political flags. They're symbols of unity, not division. That's why I'll defend the city's longstanding policy of neutrality."
🧭 Bottom Line
I stand with those who want stability, clarity, and rule-of-law governance. It draws a line between respecting individuals and politicizing civic spaces, and that's what many in Helena respect.
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