Residents to vote on 'In God We Trust' motto

The city of Kissimmee could soon get a new motto.  The proposal is on the Aug. 24 ballot.

"I know I'm the new kid on the block and I bring new ideas and different views of things," said Kissimmee Commissioner Art Otero.

One of those ideas is to make Kissimmee's new logo "In God We Trust."

It’s a proposal other commissioners initially supported.

"This is a Christian community, and we all have strong Christian beliefs in this community," said Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan.

But then came the controversy. 

Otero said he wanted the logo to help promote American values, but not current liberal views like gay marriage and abortion.

"Comments were made that were just not befitting someone who holds public office in the majority of the commission's opinion," Swan said.

Out of concern, the commission withdrew their support.
  
The issue is now being brought to the voters.
 
Otero, who maintains he was misunderstood, said he's happy the decision will be in the hands of the people.

"When they wrote the Constitution of the United States, they used the Bible to bring all those principles. So that we have to take away something that is important, that has been in our nation for many, many years," Otero said.

Swan believes this time around there is no controversy and hopes voters feel the same.

"It was an appropriate thing to do when it came up the first time until words were said and it's still the appropriate thing to do," Swan said.

Otero said he feels "In God We Trust" is a symbol of patriotism and the values of our founding fathers.

If voters do decide to make this logo official, the change won't be obvious.

Swan said it will really only be reflected in the charter.  No letterhead, flags or markings will actually be changed.