Bisbee, AZ Resolution

RESOLUTION R-03-33

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRISBEE, COUNTY OF COCHISE, STATE OF ARIZONA, AFFIRMING ITS COMMITMENT TO THE PROTECTION OF CIVIL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES AND EXPRESSING ITS CONCERNS REGARDING THE USA PATRIOT ACT

WHEREAS, the City of Brisbee (the ""City"") recognizes the Constitution of the United States of America to be the supreme law of the land, which all public servants are sworn to uphold; and

WHEREAS, the City is committed to upholding the free exercise and enjoyment of the inalienable rights granted to all persons by the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution; and

WHEREAS, the City greatly benefits from the many contributions of its highly diverse population, which includes citizens from around the world and is vital to our City's unique character; and

WHEREAS, provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act expand the authority of the Federal government to detain and investigate citizens and non-citizens, and engage in electronic surveillance of citizens and non-citizens, and may threaten civil rights and civil liberties guaranteed under the United States Constitution; and

WHEREAS, the City recognizes that an infringement of constitutionally guaranteed rights under color of law is an abuse of power, a breach of public trust, a misappropriation of public resources, a violations of civil rights and civil liberties, and is beyond the scope of governmental authority.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BISBEE, COUNTY OF COCHISE, STATE OF ARIZONA, AS FOLLOWS:

1. The City remains committed to the protection of civil rights and civil liberties for all people, will avoid discrimination in every function of city government, and will vigorously uphold the constitutionally protected rights of all persons to peacefully protest and express their political views without any form of governmental interference.

2. The City joins communities across the nation in expressing concern that the USA PATRIOT Act may threaten civil rights and civil liberties guaranteed under the United States Constitution.

3. All City employees shall be committed to preserving City residents' freedom of speech, assembly, religion and privacy, as well as the right to counsel and due process in judicial proceedings, plus the protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

4. All Federal, state or county law enforcement officials acting within the City should respect the spirit of this Resolution.

5. The City urges our Congressional delegation to monitor the implementation of the USA PATRIOT Act and advocate for the protection of our constitutional rights.

PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Bisbee this 21st day of October, 2003.