The Carson City Council (California, USA) unanimously rejected a proposal to erect a memorial monument for Mustafa Kemal Ataturk—founder of the Turkish republic—in the city’s International Sculpture Garden, Asbarez reported citing the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR).

The Carson City Councilmembers had been lobbied by the Los Angeles Turkish American Association with the proposition for erecting a statue of Ataturk on public grounds.

The 4-0 vote came after an overflow crowd of Armenian community organizations, leaders, activists and concerned community members packed Carson’s City Hall to voice their concerns during the public comment session. While over 298 members opposing the monument and 101 in favor submitted cards to speak, only 6 from each side were afforded the opportunity to comment.

In the weeks leading up to today’s vote, the ANCA-WR, Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Dashnaktsutyun Party, Armenian Youth Federation, American Hellenic Council, elected officials from neighboring cities, and the concerned citizenry of the local South Bay community, respectively had all been educating the Carson City Councilmembers on this matter.

In addition, several California State Assemblymembers had submitted a letter in opposition to the monument, and co-signed by Assemblymembers Adrin Nazarian, Katcho Achadjian, Scott Wilk, and Mike Gatto.