Dampen Holiday Spirit? ru FRIDAY, CT013ER 29TH THROUGH Troy City Council approves controversial holiday displays. ATURDAY, SHARON LUCKERMAN StqfWriter CTOBER 30TH B Brad Longenecker will be at Roz & Sherm representing this beautifully crafted jewelry, hand set with unique gemstones. v46.. Bloomfield Plaza "V-• 248/8 55.8855 6536 Telegraph Road Custom Furniture ■ Contemporary, Traditional or Transitional Styles At Factory Direct Prices y a 4 - 1 vote, the Troy City Council passed a controver- sial resolution Oct. 12 that would allow cultural and religious displays on city property. Mayor Louise Schilling cast the dissenting vote and Council mem- bers Cristina Broomfield and Martin Howrylak were absent. "We spent a lot of time meeting with council members and spoke often at the meetings, and we're very frustrated about the ruling," said Rabbi Aaron Starr of Congregation Shir Tikvah in Troy. These symbols won't make the city a better place to live or lead to a dialogue among the reli- gions, the rabbi said, adding that they only lead to divi- sion and to someone feeling unwel- come in the city. Mayor Schilling said that although the resolution is broad based, she is concerned that these displays will wind up being nativity scenes on city property. "I'm not against these displays but they should be at churches and per- sonal homes and residences, not on city property — and many believe as I do," she said. "So I'm hopeful it ■ Wall Units ■ Home Office ■ Custom Cabinets ■ Corner Units & More ■ Choice of Wood or Laminate Emily Rosberg's name was mis- spelled in a photo caption with the story "Living With Chai" (Oct. 8, page 50). Choice of Style & Finish Why Pay More For Less! Visit Our Newly Remodeled Showroom 10/22 2004 24 OPTIONS 1952 South Telegraph • Bloomfield Hills 248.332.8855 won't cause problems for our citizen- ry." The issue arose when a city resi- dent asked to cover the cost of set- ting up a nativity display outside the Troy City Hall. "The new [resolution] is constitu- tional," said Wendy Wagonheim, the ACLU of Michigan's Detroit-based communications director. However, she added, by creating an open forum, Troy will have to treat all requests equally from all groups regardless of their politi- cal or religious view- points. Yes, she said, "We might not like what the [Klu Klux] Klan says, but they have the right to put their stuff up, too." The ACLU will be monitoring the situation carefully, she said, to see if any group is denied participation in this public forum,. Rabbi Starr said he and his congre- gation have talked much about this matter and have a wait-and-see approach for the moment. "We don't want to burn any bridges with the community, but we want to make sure our rights are protected as well," the rabbi said. "The first step we'll be taking is interfaith dialogue with churches in the city." 111