NASHUA – The proposed city ordinance to prohibit banners, flags and signs at Board of Aldermen meetings has been cast into the abyss of indefinite postponement.

Prior to the board’s unanimous vote at the Sept. 9 meeting, resident Laurie Ortolano expressed her opposition to indefinitely postponing the ordinance.

“I think that’s a political move during election season,” she said.

She also said the current policy regarding banners, flags and signs is unconstitutional. Ortolano said Corporation Counsel Stephen Bolton should have been at the Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee meeting on Sept. 2 to discuss the legality of the ordinance.

In addition, she said that when crafting a similar policy, the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen referred to the New England First Amendment Coalition.

“There’s no reason why we cannot do the same,” she said.

Resident Paula Johnson said that when she was on the board from 2002 to 2005, politics never played a role in allowing signs, flags and banners in the Aldermanic Chamber.

“This board has to be nonpartisan,” she said. “You’re supposed to be acting and voting for the good of the people.”

In response, Ward 2 Alderman Richard Dowd said he recommended that the ordinance be indefinitely postponed as the committee could not agree on the proposed policy changes.

“It was very obvious it was not ready for prime time,” said Dowd.

He also said the signs are getting too big and have become a safety concern.

“The reason for indefinite postponement has nothing to do with election season,” he said.

Ward 8 Alderman Derek Thibeault said this was the right choice.

“No one probably wants to pass this,” he said. “It’s a problem we don’t have, so we don’t need to do it.”

Vice President Michael O’Brien said the aldermen have a responsibility to maintain order and professionalism in the chamber.

“This place is built on decorum and tradition,” he said.

Alderman-at-Large Melbourne Moran agreed with Moran and urged his colleagues to be “more positive” when communicating with each other.

As an advocate for Medicaid, Moran said he employs positive psychology when speaking with constituents about the federal program. Yet, not everyone has agreed with him.

“Some people still find the positive approach offensive,” said Moran.