Community Resolution for Whitefish, MT

RESOLUTION NO. 04-29

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEFISH, MONTANA, PETITIONING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO REPEAL PORTIONS OF THE PATRIOT ACT.

   WHEREAS, the City of Whitefish recognizes the Constitution of the United States of America, its Bill of Rights, and the Constitution of the State of Montana as the supreme laws of the land, which our elected City officials and police officers by their oath of office have sworn to uphold; and

   WHEREAS, the Whitefish City Council members, as representatives of the people, are accountable to the people and effective guardians of the public trust; and

   WHEREAS, the City of Whitefish has a long tradition of upholding the people's constitutional rights and the City of Whitefish greatly benefits from the many contributions of all of its citizens and visitors, past and present, who are vital to our City's unique character; and

   WHEREAS, the City of Whitefish affirms its strong opposition to terrorism, but believes that government can protect public safety without impairing constitutional rights and civil liberties; and

   WHEREAS, federal policies adopted since September 11, 2001, including provisions of the U.S.A. Patriot Act (Public Law 107-56) and related executive orders. regulations and actions that are contrary to the City of Whitefish's constitutional obligations and threaten the fundamental civil rights and liberties of the citizens and visitors of Whitefish;

   NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Whitefish. Montana, as follows:

   Section 1: The City Council of the City of Whitefish does hereby resolve that the City of Whitefish supports fully the Constitution of the United States, its Bill of Rights, and the Constitution of the State of Montana, and requests that the Congress of the United States repeal all sections of the U.S.A. Patriot Act which diminish or take away those rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

   Section 2: That the Whitefish City Council directs the City Clerk to transmit a copy of this Resolution to Montana's elected officials in Congress, to the Governor and to members of the Montana Legislature representing Whitefish, to President George W. Bush, and to Attorney General John Ashcroft.
 
  Section 3: The Whitefish City Council supports the immediate repeal of those provisions of the U.S.A. Patriot Act that are unconstitutional, and opposes any proposed enhancements of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, such as those contained within the Justice Department's draft ""Domestic Security Enhancement Act of 2003"" that further diminish or take away rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

  Section 4: This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and signing by the Mayor thereof: provided, however, that this Resolution was adopted over the objection of City Councilor and citizen Doug Adams.

  PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEFISH, MONTANA, ON THIS 6th DAY OF JULY 2004.

ANDY FEURY, MAYOR
Necile Lorang, City Clerk