2003-07-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

12 provides for a lack of accountability for acti ons. He expressed faith in the City's law enforcement personnel, saying it is a good organization and they have accountability. He said he is not sure the Patriot Act solves problems it was designed to address. Mr. Caravati said this is a growing issue and should be put forward throughout the country. He said Council is in the business of redressing grievances to government and has every right to act on the matter. He said Council is the common defense and it is our job to speak for the people. He sa id he thinks we are doing the right thing to act. He suggested that staff look at drafting an ordinance to deal with paragraphs 11, 13 and 14. Ms. Richards said she agrees that it is Council's responsibility to deal with the issue. He said the City pay s the salaries for people and funding for institutions that will be asked to collaborate with the Act. She said she feels it would be irresponsible to shut out eyes and turn our backs on this issue. Mr. Cox said he wholeheartedly supports the resolution and thinks we have a responsibility to act and to use the Chamber for public debate on the issue. He said it is well within our right and our responsibility to act. He said all the speakers are saying to protect our civil rights. He said he would like to follow up with an ordinance to put teeth into the language. The Resolution Opposing the USA Patriot Act was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards. Noes: Mr. Schilling. WHEREAS , the Commonwealth of Vi rginia, Albemarle County, and the City of Charlottesville have a rich history of securing the inalienable rights of individuals, dating to the first settlement of our Commonwealth in 1607, through the Revolutionary War and the adoption of key documents aut hored by Virginians such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Mason; and WHEREAS , these documents include the Declaration of Independence, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Virginia Act for Establishing Religious Freedom, the United State s Constitution, and the U.S. Bill of Rights; and WHEREAS , the City of Charlottesville houses a diverse population, including citizens of other nations, whose contributions to the community are vital to its character and function; and WHEREAS , the Unite d States Constitution guarantees to all persons living in the United States fundamental rights, including: freedom of religion, speech, assembly and privacy; protection from unreasonable searches and seizures; due process and equal protection to any person ; equality before the law and the presumption of innocence; access to counsel in judicial proceedings; and the right to a fair, speedy and public trial; and