(Editor’s note: While following Letters to the Editor is from a City of Orange Council Member, it is his opinion and not a representation of the Orange City Council as a whole.)

In regards to the Nativity scene I feel it is necessary to share my thoughts and beliefs with the Citizens of Orange.

After speaking with Governors Abbott’s office, the Attorney General’s Office and the Alliance Defending Freedom Organization, I have come to the conclusion that the Nativity scene should be replaced in it’s original location on City Hall property. We as a City should be proud to display our beliefs as a City without fear of reprisal, persecution or retaliation. Unfortunately in today’s litigious society we live in, we must ensure everything is done to protect our wonderful City and it’s Citizens. To protect the City I urge that as the Nativity scene is returned we also erect additional scenes such as Santa Claus and reindeers and other holiday figurines. In doing so I feel we protect the City and its Citizens the best we can should a problem arise. Doing so will make the community a stronger and closer entity and shows our undivided support to our Lord. It will also send a message that we will not back down.

As your Councilman I can assure you that I will do everything I can to ensure the legal and proper return of the Nativity scene back to City Hall. I will not relent until such return is completed.

I would like to thank the Governor Abbott’s office, the Attorney General’s Office and the Alliance Defending Freedom Organization for their assistance and support with this. I would also like to thank the Stark Foundation for their acceptance and placement of the Nativity scene. And I finally would like to wish each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year. May God bless Orange and it’s Citizens.

Respectfully Yours,

Patrick A. Pullen

Councilman District 1