Mount Vernon council shies away from Beck honor

The Mount Vernon City Council has distanced itself from the mayor's plan to award radio and TV host Glenn Beck a key to the city on Saturday. The council also was presented with a petition from a group opposing the planned Beck event.

Councilman Dale Ragan's resolution states that the "Mount Vernon City Council is in no way sponsoring the Mayor's event on Sept. 26, 2009, and is not connected to the Glenn Beck event in any manner." The Seattle Times reports the seven council members approved the resolution unanimously Wednesday night.

Mayor Bud Norris has declared Saturday "Glenn Beck Day" to honor the nationally known broadcaster who grew up in Mount Vernon. The Skagit Valley Herald reports Beck got his start in radio in Mount Vernon.

In July, Beck said he believes President Barack Obama is a racist.

Members of the Seattle "progressive advocacy group" Fuse gave the council a petition accusing Beck of fear mongering and race baiting.

Norris says he's had no second thoughts. He says he simply wanted to honor someone who grew up in his city and is now on the national stage.