Crestone, CO Resolution

Resolution No. 001-2003

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CRESTONE EXPRESSING THE COMMITMENT TO CIVIL RIGHTS, HUMAN RIGHTS, AN LIBERTIES ACCORDING TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, AND OF THE STATE OF COLORADO.

WHEREAS, following the attacks on the United States of September 11, 2001, the Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act (PL107-56) on October 26, 2001; and

WHEREAS, the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act subsequently issued Executive orders expand the authority of the federal government to detain and investigate citizens and non-citizens, engage in electronic surveillance of citizens and non-citizens, and perform searches and seizures without demonstrating evidence of probable cause and without timely showing of relevant warrants; and

WHEREAS, many people throughout communities across the nation, including Crestone, are concerned that certain provisions in the USA PATRIOT Act, Executive Orders and other post 9/11 legislation threaten civil rights and liberties guaranteed under the United States Constitution; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Crestone, has been, and remains, committed to the protection of civil rights and liberties for all people as expressed in the United States and the Colorado Constitutions; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Crestone board members have taken an Oath of Office to support the United States Constitution, as well as the Colorado State Constitution with reference to CRS 21-4-401; and

NOW THEREFORE, be it hereby resolved by the board of trustees of the town of Crestone that the following issued be resolved, to wit:

1. The Town of Crestone has been , and remains firmly committed to the protection of civil rights, human rights, and civil liberties for ALL people.
2. That the Town of Crestone, affirms the following principles: (1) every person has the right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure, (2) neither stops nor arrests may be made without establishing reasonable suspicion or probable cause that a crime has been committed or is about to be committed, (3) every person has a right to equal protection under the law and the right not to be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, and (4) every person has the right to free speech and freedom of association as provided for under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and no court opinions thereon.
3. That the Town of Crestone reaffirms its commitment to human and civil rights, and its commitment to unbiased policing. The Town of Crestone firmly adheres to the principle that no law enforcement agency, or other county agency, may profile or discriminate against any person solely on the basis of ancestry, race, ethnicity, national origin, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, or religion, nor shall any Town of Crestone agencies assist other agencies in the practices that violate these policies.
4. That the Town of Crestone affirms its strong opposition to terrorism, but also affirms that nay efforts to end terrorism not be waged at the expense of essential civil rights and liberties of the people Crestone and the United States.

6 Yes 0 No

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES hereby directs the Clerk of the Town of Crestone to take all actions necessary to implement the above, consistent with the requirements of the law; and to send copies of this signed Resolution to President George W. Bush, Attorney General John Ashcroft, Senators Ben Nighthorse Campbell and Wayne Allard, Congressmen Scott McInnis, Governor Bill Owens, Sagauche County Commissioners and Saguache County Sheriff's Department.

THIS RESOLUTION shall be effective from and after its passage.

DONE and SIGNED this 24th day of February 2003.

/s/ Kizzen Laki, Mayor

/s/ Sam Pace, Trustee /s/ Annie Pace, Trustee

/s/ Debra Irizzary-Swordy, Trustee /s/ Anikke Storm, Trustee

/s/ Clyde McDowell Trustee

ATTEST:

/s/ Janet Dossigny, Town Clerk

Resolution No. 001-2003