Photo: Mike Stafford
The city of Princeton says it is not making any political statements through a new marketing campaign after some residents expressed concern after seeing a Russian flag flying downtown this week. .
The new campaign is called “Princeton Welcomes the World,” and more than 40 banners representing the countries of origin of visitors to Princeton have been placed around the city.
The countries highlighted were selected from data from Princeton's Tourism Information Center, and Russia was one of them.
Some residents took to social media shortly after the banners were put up this week, saying the banners featuring the Russian flag in key areas of the town were aimed at Russia, which is currently embroiled in a long-running invasion of neighboring Ukraine. He was concerned that it would appear to be an endorsement of the Canada is an active ally of Ukraine in the war.
Others commented that they had no problem with the flag and encouraged the project's welcoming spirit.
Town CAO Lyle Thomas said the city is aware of the concerns and has also seen the backlash on social media. He has received phone calls and in-person feedback, but Thomas noted that as many people support the banner, there are just as many who oppose it.
“This was never meant to be a political statement. It was actually part of a marketing campaign to acknowledge the success we've seen through tourism here,” Thomas said.
The banners are provided through grants at no cost to local taxpayers. Also included is a Ukrainian banner. Each banner uses elements of the national flag and expresses a warm welcome in the country's native language. They are displayed all over the city.
Thomas said town officials have been keeping an eye on the backlash, particularly against the Russian banners, but no action has been taken so far.
“Staff are going to be monitoring that and if we feel it’s getting out of hand or out of control, we’re definitely going to bring it to the attention of council,” Thomas said.
“But at this point, I think it's just a reaction, so we're just monitoring the chatter.”
