Community Resolution for Pontiac, MI

Resolution of the Pontiac City Council

            WHEREAS, the City of Pontiac recognizes the Constitution of the United States of America to be the ""Supreme Law of the Land,"" superceding all commercial codes, laws of commerce, admiralty law, laws merchant, administrative rules, local codes and ordinances, state statutes, public and congressional acts, complied and federal laws; and,

            WHEREAS, the City of Pontiac desires to maintain its dedication to the free exercise and enjoyment of the unalienable rights endowed to all mankind by their Creator, as so expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights of the United States of America; and,

            WHEREAS, the City of Pontiac recognizes the equality of all persons and embraces a population of unique Citizens and non-citizens having diverse ethnic and racial origin and religious beliefs; and

            WHEREAS, the City of Pontiac affirms its strong opposition to terrorism, but also affirms that any efforts to end terrorism not be waged at the expense of essential liberties and civil rights of the people of Pontiac, the State of Michigan and the United States of America, and,

            WHEREAS, certain provisions of the USA Patriot and the Homeland Security Acts, expand the power of the federal Government to detain and investigate, engage in covert electronic surveillance, search and seize real and personal property, bank accounts, records and information, and possibly even torture and kill without establishing reasonable suspicion or probably cause and to further deny persons' right to take legal action against the government or other parties for violations of rights, in such manner as to threaten the lives, liberties and civil rights of Citizens and non-citizens guaranteed under the United States Constitution, and,

            WHEREAS, the city of Pontiac recognizes the importance of not infringing on the constitutionally guaranteed rights of any person; and

            WHEREAS, the City of Pontiac is firmly committed to the protection of the unalienable rights and civil liberties for all people, it is the policy of this City to completely avoid discrimination in every function of City government and to vigorously uphold the constitutionally protected rights of all persons to peacefully protest and express their political views without government interference; and,

            WHEREAS, it is the policy of the City of Pontiac Police Department and their law enforcement personnel (Police) to ensure the equal protection of the laws and to require that Police shall not act in such a manner as to deprive any citizen or non-citizen of their constitutional rights, and shall not evidence bias in the performance of their duties; and, 

            WHEREAS, the City of Pontiac Police Department policies recognize that a well-informed public is essential to the existence of a Constitutional Republic, and that the Chief of Police, as custodian of the Police Department records has the duty to maintain and dispose of such records in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, with due regard for the privacy and reputation of the subject of the record.

            NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council reaffirms that it is the policy of the City of Pontiac Police Department not to engage in random profiling based on race, ethnicity, citizenship, religion, or political values, and to that end, the Pontiac Police Department will not engage in random interviews of any person solely based on their country of origin, race, religion, sex, or any other characteristics unless there is reasonable suspicion that a person is linked to an illegal act; and,

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Pontiac City Council directs the City Clerk transmit to the Pontiac City Council, no less than once every six months, a summary of information obtained to the USA Patriot and Homeland securities Acts; and,

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Pontiac joins communities across the nation in expressing concern that portions of the USA Patriot and Homeland Security Acts pose a direct threat to the liberties and civil rights protected by the United States Constitution; and,

            BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Governor and Attorney General of the State of Michigan, the President, Attorney General and Congress of the United States of America and that our congressional representatives be advised of their solemn commitment to abide by the Constitution and repeal those sections of the USA Patriot and Homeland Security Acts which violate the People's liberties and civil rights, and to the Pontiac Library Board for their information and possible action.

            Ayes, 7.  Nays, 0

City of Pontiac City Council

48450 Woodward Ave.