Hudson residents will not see the clock tower illuminated in special colors to support causes.
Jody Roberts, communications manager for the city, addressed council during its workshop on Tuesday. She said that she had received a request from Hudson's merchant association to illuminate the clock tower with red lighting for the month of February, in support of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign.
The group was previously granted permission to use red lighting on the gazebo.
Council discussed the idea and the consensus was unanimous against permitting such lightings.
President David Basil was opposed to the idea because of the historical significance of the clock tower.
Newly appointed council member Keith Smith said that he was concerned about expense to the city for free electricity, and was worried about installation issues by non-city personnel.
At-large council member, Hal DeSaussurre, said that he had researched awareness colors, and that "there were pages of them."
The problem, he said, is that certain colors, such as yellow for soldier support, become political causes. This could become a problem for the city, and he strongly suggested that we "nip it in the bud."
Although their rationale differed slightly, all of the members of council were opposed to allowing any lighting of the clock tower by organizations other than the city.
The topic of lighting up the gazebo, also came under consideration. Permission has been granted in the past, said Roberts. It was lighted pink in October for breast cancer awareness, and is scheduled to be lit in blue, in April for another cause.
Several council members pointed out that the same issues and concerns with lighting the clock tower were also applicable to the gazebo.
Council decided that those awareness initiatives that had already been scheduled for 2013 will be allowed to continue. No further special lighting events will be permitted in 2013, and at the end of the year, the practice will be discontinued.
