Group opposes sister city plan between Edmond, Russian city over communism

Despite opposition from about 15 people, Edmond City Council members unanimously approved a joint proclamation between Edmond and Engles for the development of a sister city relationship.

Thirteen community agencies and institutions have been working for four years to have Edmond become a sister city for a cultural and educational exchange. Representatives from Engels will make their third visit to Edmond next week.

The opponents, known as Govern Edmond Locally, said they want to restore constitutional governance at the local level.

They argued the sister cities program is tied to the United Nations and a program called Agenda 21, which they said is an effort to take away personal property under the auspices of environmental initiatives.

They also oppose the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, which they claim has ties to the U.N.