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Carbondale, Colorado

City/Town: Carbondale
County: Garfield
State: Colorado
Congressional District: (click to contact Rep.) 3

Population (2000 Census): 5,196
Date Passed: 05/11/04

A Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, in Defense of Citizens' Constitutional Rights and Civil Liberties

Approved by: Carbondale Town Council

WHEREAS, the Town of Carbondale recognizes the Constitution of the United States of America and the constitution of the State of Colorado to be the supreme laws of the land which our town elected officials and police officers by their oaths of office have sworn to uphold; and

WHEREAS, the preservation of civil rights and civil liberties stated in these constitutions is essential to the well-being and integrity of our republic, and if these fundamental rights are undermined it does irreparable damage to American institutions and to the values of equal justice and freedom that the residents of Carbondale hold in highest respect and reverence; and

WHEREAS, following the attacks on America of September 11, 2001 the United States Congress passed the USA Patriot Act (PL 107-56), signed by President George W. Bush on October 26, 2001; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Carbondale affirms its strong opposition to terrorism, but believes that government can and must protect public and personal safety without impairing constitutional rights and civil liberties; and that any federal anti-terrorism policies must not pose a threat to those rights and liberties; and

WHEREAS, people in communities across the nation, including Carbondale, believe that many provisions of the USA Patriot Act do threaten America's rights and liberties by expanding the authority of the federal government to investigate and detain citizens and non-citizens secretly and without showing cause, engaging in electronic surveillance of citizens and non-citizens, carrying out searches and seizures without showing evidence of probable cause nor timely relevant warrants, and punishment without due process of the law.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEE OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO, RESOLVES:

Section 1. That the Town of Carbondale has been, and remains, firmly committed to the protection of civil rights and civil liberties for all people.

Section 2. That the Town of Carbondale affirms the following principles: Every person has the right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure; 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; 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; Every person has the right to free speech and freedom of association provided under the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and court opinions thereon.

Section 3. That the Town of Carbondale reaffirms its support of the government of the United States of America in its campaign against terrorism, but also reaffirms its commitment that such a campaign not be waged at the expense of constitutionally guaranteed rights and civil liberties of the people of Carbondale.

Section 4. That the Town of Carbondale recognizes that infringement of these constitutionally-guaranteed rights and civil liberties under cover of law is an abuse of power, a breach of public trust, a misappropriation of public resources, a violation of civil rights, and a misuse of the government's authority.

Section 5. That the Carbondale Town Council supports the immediate repeal of unconstitutional provisions of the USA Patriot Act and strongly urges the State of Colorado's Congressional delegation to vigorously resist and oppose any and all attempts to extend of make permanent the powers and authorities contained in the USA Patriot Act now scheduled to cease to have effect on December 31, 2005

Section 6. That the Carbondale Town Council shall send copies of this signed resolution to President George W. Bush, Attorney General John Ashcroft, Governor Bill Owens, Senator Wayne Allard, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, and Congressman Scott McInnis with notification of its desire that they work to repeal those provisions of the USA Patriot Act and any and all provisions of any other relevant federal legislation that may violate fundamental rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.

 

Community Group / Coalition: Wake Up Now

Contact Information:
P.O. Box 1955
Carbondale , CO 81623

Additional Info:
http://www.postindependent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040513/VAL . . .