Clymer Proposes Unity Banner to Fight Divisiveness

McCracken County Judge Executive Craig Clymer is proposing a water tower banner to show unity within the county.

During the Wednesday Paducah Water Board meeting, Clymer proposed placing a banner that says 'United We Stand' on the water tower located directly across from the Confederate Park in Reidland. 

"As the elected leader of all the residents of this county, regardless of race, I really can no longer stay silent and still and allow the divisiveness to divide our community," Clymer said. "We are all neighbors in McCracken County. We must step forward and speak out with one voice and reject any messages of racial discord." 

Clymer presented the idea during the Water Board meeting because the water tower is owned by the Paducah Water Board and the city. He said he only wants their permission, not their money, and plans to move forward with the project using community donations. 

He said the Sons of Confederate Veterans have a right to free speech, yet he believes there needs to be a response. 

"The answer lies not in suppressing any hate speech asserted by the Confederate Flag. Instead the answer is in diminishing it with a different message and a stronger voice," Clymer said.

He told the Paducah Water Board that he'll get it done if they will give him permission. 

"The time is right for this, the position of the tower is right, the message is right, and I'm asking that the board do right. Give me the signal and I'll get this done."