Willingboro, NJ Resolution

Willingboro, New Jersey

A Resolution Concerning the Patriot Act

Whereas, the Constitution of the United States of America and its Bill of Rights, along with the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, guarantee certain liberties to all citizens, including:

• Freedom of speech and peaceful assembly;
• Established rights in judicial proceedings, including presumption of innocence, due process, legal counsel and probable cause;
• Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures;

Whereas, the sanctity of these precious liberties may be threatened by new laws, including "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001" (also known as USA Patriot Act), several executive orders, the Homeland Security Act, and the proposed Domestic Security Enhancement Act (also known as Patriot II);

Whereas, residents of Willingboro have expressed alarm about the pursuit of security without appropriate protection of Constitutional rights;

Whereas, the Willingboro Township Council is committed to upholding the United States Constitution and its Bill of Rights, the New Jersey State Constitution; and

Whereas, it is generally accepted that unwarranted secrecy is antithetical to a true democracy, and that actions undertaken by secret indictment or process undermine established norms for civil discourse between government and those whom it would govern;

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Township Council of the Township of Willingboro:

Section 1. Submits a letter to the New Jersey Congressional delegation conveying the concerns of Willingboro residents regarding the Patriot Act, including but not limited to the following:

• Monitoring political and religious gatherings;
• Obtaining library records, bookstore records, and internet records without proper authorization and without notification'
• Issuing subpoenas through the United States Attorney's Office without a court's approval or knowledge;
• Eavesdropping on confidential communications between lawyers and their clients;
• Entering private residences, businesses, and organizations without consent, before serving a search warrant;
• Engaging in racial profiling and detention without charges; and
• Withholding information from Congress and the public on actions taken under these laws.

Section 2. Urges members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to actively work for the revocation of any sections of the USA Patriot Act, any proposed new federal legislation and Executive Orders which limit or violate the fundamental rights and liberties embodied in the Municipal Ordinances of the Township of Willingboro and in the Constitutions of the State of New Jersey and of the United States.

Section 3. Requests the Township Manager to instruct Township employees to continue practices and policies favoring and protecting Constitutional rights and liberties.

Section 4. Directs the Township Manager to transmit copies of this Resolution to the Governor of the State of New Jersey, Willingboro's State legislative delegation, Willingboro's delegation in the United States Congress, and the President of the United States.

Section 5. Effective Date. This resolution is effective on the date of its passage.