We, the people of the Methow Valley, respectfully ask that the Town of Twisp pass a formal resolution affirming unequivocal support for the United States Constitution, in particular the Bill of Rights, and intention to secure the rights of all within its jurisdiction.

We remind our local government officials that the US Constitution explicitly states that the rights afforded by these Amendments are for all persons present in this country.

We the people share much beyond the political and social divides that have torn at our country, and we wish to unite, across partisan lines, in the defense of these inalienable rights enshrined in our Constitution.

We ask that the Town of Twisp adopt the following resolution to reassure your constituents that our local government will resist pressure, financial or otherwise, from any level of the federal government and its agencies, to cause the loss of these constitutional rights, which are foundational to our democratic republic.

A RESOLUTION IN DEFENSE OF CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES

WHEREAS, America is a “nation of laws, not of men”; and

WHEREAS, the Constitution’s separation of powers provides that the Congress, the Executive, and the Judiciary each serves as a check and balance on the other two branches of government; and

WHEREAS, the independence of the Supreme Court and the Federal Judiciary is essential to constitutional government and the rule of law; and

WHEREAS, our government shall uphold the ideals of equality under the law and equal justice for all; and

WHEREAS, Town of Twisp local government members have sworn an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the rule of law; and

WHEREAS, the Twisp Town Council members, as representatives of the people, shall be accountable and effective guardians of the public trust; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Twisp has a long tradition of upholding the people's constitutional rights and greatly benefits from the many contributions of all of its citizens and visitors, past and present, who are vital to our town’s unique character; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Twisp affirms its strong opposition to terrorist acts and crime, and believes that government can protect public safety without impairing constitutional rights and civil liberties; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Twisp is bound by law, honor and duty to uphold the State and Federal Constitutions, and specifically the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Twisp, Washington that:

Section 1. The Town of Twisp affirms its commitment to preserve the constitutional rights and civil liberties of its citizens, residents and visitors alike within the Town of Twisp, including equal protection of the laws, freedom of speech, religion, association and assembly, freedom from unreasonable search and seizure, and privacy, for all the people without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, economic status, national origin, religion, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship status or disability.

The Town of Twisp recognizes that infringement of the constitutionally guaranteed rights and civil liberties of the people, under color of law, is an abuse of power, a breach of the public trust, a misappropriation of public resources, a violation of civil rights and is beyond the scope of government authority. 

Section 2. The Town Council of the Town of Twisp hereby reaffirms established policy by directing its Mayor and all other officers and employees of the Town, including those of the Twisp Police Department, to take no action that would conflict with or impair the constitutional rights and civil liberties of our citizens, residents and visitors as enumerated in the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Washington and, as may be set forth in other applicable Federal, State or local laws.

Section 3. The Council further directs the Mayor to immediately report to the Council, in writing, any request by Federal, State, or County authorities to the Town and/or its various departments that, if granted, would cause the Town of Twisp to exercise powers or cooperate in the exercise of powers in apparent violation of any Town ordinance or the laws or Constitution of the State of Washington or the United States.

Section 4. The Twisp Town Council supports the balance of powers specifically stated in the United States and Washington State Constitutions, and accepts the legitimacy, respects the authority, and abides by the decisions and judgments of the federal courts interpreting the Constitution and laws of the United States.

Section 5. The Twisp Town Council directs the Mayor to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Okanogan County Commissioners, Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Congressman Dan Newhouse, the Governor and State Attorney General, and to the Superintendent of the Methow Valley School District.