INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONCERN ABOUT THE U.S.A. PATRIOT ACT

RESOLUTION #03-287

WHEREAS, the County of Ingham supports all lawful and constitutional efforts to prevent and investigate terrorist or other criminal acts, and prosecute their perpetrators; and 

WHEREAS, the County of Ingham is proud of its long and distinguished tradition of protecting the civil rights and liberties of its residents, a diverse group including immigrants from many nations, ethnic and religious groups, and students; and

WHEREAS, Ingham County, whose boundaries include the State Capitol and Michigan State University, is a center of  free expression and public debate on government actions and policies, and is a symbol of the rights of  free speech and assembly guaranteed by both the federal and state constitutions; and

WHEREAS, the vital investigation of terrorist acts should be conducted in a rational and deliberative fashion to ensure that new security measures enhance public safety without impairing constitutional rights or infringing on civil liberties; and

WHEREAS, the Ingham County Board of Commissioners believes that there is no inherent conflict between national security and the preservation of liberty; and

WHEREAS, a law enforcement agency's use of legislative powers or provisions such as the USA Patriot Act must be consistent with civil liberties guaranteed by the United States Constitution and should never deprive a person of, or otherwise abuse, an individual's civil rights.
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners affirms its strong support of fundamental constitutional rights and its opposition to measures that infringe on civil liberties.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners encourages all citizens, organizations and governmental and legislative bodies to study, for understanding, the State and U.S. Constitutions and their history, and the Bill of Rights and its history, so that they can recognize and resist attempts to undermine our constitutional republic and our system of government.
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners encourages the Capital Area District Library to notify patrons that records of the books and other materials borrowed from that library, and Internet usage there, may be obtained by federal agents without informing the patron.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners encourages the Ingham County Sheriff's Office to continue to respect the rights of all people during the investigation of terrorist or other criminal acts and will continue to work closely with the Ingham County Prosecutor during prosecutions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk is hereby directed to send a copy of this resolution to our Federal and State Representatives and Senators and the Michigan Association of Counties.

COUNTY SERVICES: Yeas: Celentino, Holman, De Leon, Schor, Severino
Nays: Nevin         Absent: None   Approved 11/4/03