Kirkwood resident Mike Fitzgerald appeared before the Crestwood Board of Aldermen during the public comment section of its May 27 meeting to call on them to pass a resolution standing with U.S. federal employees who have been affected by layoffs.

“In addition (to passing the resolution), I’m asking that Crestwood reach out to your neighboring communities, to businesses and non-profit groups to set up resource fairs to help those affected by mass firings and grant terminations, so they can find new jobs and sign up for things like healthcare,” Fitzgerald said at the meeting.

The resolution acknowledges the “key government functions” federal workers fulfill, including those of ensuring food safety, investigating criminal activity, developing science and technology and more. It also mentions the 25,600 federal workers employed in St. Louis city and St. Louis County, bringing over $3 million in economic impact to the region. 

“We call upon all county residents to lend their voices with all who call upon the administration to stop the mass firing of federal workers to protect our country and our economy,” the resolution said.

Fitzgerald’s presentation to the Board of Aldermen garnered thanks from both Ward 4 Aldermen, John Sebben and Megan Gadallah, and Gadallah expressed interest in partnering with other aldermen or local council members to plan an event relating to the resolution.

“Yes, I do hope to get something done, but also, I am one person and cannot do it alone,” Gadallah said. “So I will be seeking others to help.”

Since March, Fitzgerald has presented his resolution to multiple local boards and councils, including those in Kirkwood, Maplewood, Rock Hill and Fenton. He says the St. Louis Board of Aldermen passed a resolution of support — Resolution No. 302, Standing With United States Federal Employees — which was officially adopted on April 14. 

“I see it this way,” Fitzgerald said. “These federal workers and scientists have always been there for us. Now it’s our turn to be there for them.”