HomeMy WebLinkAboutresolution.council.056-04 RESOLUTION NO. ~
Series of 2004
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF 'ASPEN, COLORADO,
RELATING TO THE USA PATRIOT ACTi THE BILL OF RIGHTS, AND THE
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes the Constitution of the United States as our
charter of liberty, and that the Bill of Rights enshrines the fundamental and inalienable rights of
Americans, including, but not limited to, the freedoms of religion, speech, assembly, and
privacy; and
WHEREAS, each of Colorado's duly elected public servants has sworn to defend and
uphold the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Colorado; and
WHEREAS, the City Council denounces and condemns all acts of terrorism, wherever
occurring; and
WHEREAS, attacks against the United States such as those that occurred on September
11, 2001, have necessitated the crafting of effective laws to protect the public from terrorist
attacks; and
WHEREAS, any new security measures of federal, state, and local governments should
be carefully designed and employed to enhance public safety without unnecessarily infringing on
the civil liberties and rights of innocent citizens; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the City of Aspen has a diverse population,
whose different backgrounds and experiences allow them to contribute a variety of ideas,
expressions and perspectives that enrich our community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aspen hosts international guests who expect a welcoming
experience upon arrival to the United States; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aspen has an international presence through its participation in
World Cup skiing events and functions sponsored by its non-profit community including, but not
limited to, the Aspen Institute, the International Design Conference, the Aspen Music Festival,
the Rocky Mountain Institute, and the Aspen Center for Physics; and
WHEREAS, certain provisions of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing
Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act, commonly known as the
USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56), allow the federal government more liberally to detain
and investigate citizens and engage in surveillance activities that may violate or offend the rights
and liberties guaranteed by our state and federal constitutions;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL 'OF THE CITY
OF ASPEN, COLORADO, THAT:
Section One
The City Council of the City of Aspen supports the government of the United States of
America in its campaign against terrorism and affLrms its commitment that the campaign not be
waged at the expense of inalienable civil rights and liberties of citizens of this country.
Section Two
The City Council of the City of Aspen opposes any portion of the USA PATRIOT Act
that could be used to justify the violation of the rights and liberties of citizens guaranteed equally
under the state and federal constitutions.
Section Three
The City Council of the City of Aspen implores its federal congressional representatives
to correct provisions in the USA PATRIOT Act and other measures that infringe on civil
liberties, and opposes any pending and future federal legislation to the extent that it infringes on
the rights and liberties of citizens of the United States.
Dated:
Helen Kal'm Rlafl'ff~r~dT~yor
I, Kathryn S. Koch, duly appoimed and acting City Clerk do certify that the foregoing is
a tree and accurate copy of that resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Aspen,
Colorado, at a meeting held
2004.
JPW- saved: 6/4/2004-494-G:\john\word\resos\Patriot Act.doc
Kathryn S. K~, 'Cffy Clerk