A controversial email sent to city employees in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, has sparked debate over the holiday season. The purported email from Deputy City Administrator Melissa Cantarero Weiss discourages the use of “religious decorations” in public buildings, citing the need for a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents and visitors.
The email, obtained by media outlet Wisconsin Right Now, begins by urging city employees to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, including co-workers. However, it then goes on to specifically address the use of Christmas decorations in public spaces within city buildings.
The email reminds workers that not everyone celebrates Christmas and therefore asks them to refrain from using “religious decorations” or “those solely associated with Christmas” such as red and green colors. Instead, the email suggests using neutral and inclusive decorations such as snowflakes, snow people, festive lighting, greenery and incorporating colors like blue, green, and purple.
This request has caused a stir among employees and residents, with some expressing their disappointment in the city’s priorities. The Daily Mail reports that Wauwatosa is a city with a population of approximately 48,000. Many residents have questioned why the city is focusing on decorations rather than more pressing matters.
According to the media outlet, Deputy City Administrator Weiss states in her email that December is the busiest month for their city hall, as many residents visit in person to pay their property tax bills. This statement has led some to question the timing of the email, with some suggesting that the administrators should be focusing on more important matters rather than holiday decorations.
The controversial email also reveals the salaries of the city’s top administrators, with City Administrator Jim Archambo earning $184,794 and Deputy City Administrator Weiss earning $139,542 – both in 2022. These figures have caused further outrage among residents who feel that their tax dollars should be used for more important matters.
Neither Archambo nor Weiss have responded to requests for comment on the email, leaving many residents and employees wondering about the reasoning behind the decision. As the holiday season approaches, it will be interesting to see whether the city will follow through with the request and whether there will be any further backlash from employees and residents.
In conclusion, the email from Deputy City Administrator Weiss regarding the use of holiday decorations in public buildings has sparked controversy in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. While the call for inclusivity is commendable, the timing and prioritization of this request have raised concerns among residents and employees. As the city grapples with this issue, it remains to be seen how this will impact the holiday season in Wauwatosa.