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CLOUDY Temp: 39 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Saturday, April 26, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend April 3, 2003 Talent adopts rights resolution By TONY BOOM Mail Tribune TALENT — Three city councilmen clearly expressed misgivings about the federal USA Patriot Act Wednesday as they unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at safeguarding residents’ civil liberties. Bob Wilson, Don Steyskal and Brian Roberts supported the longest of three proposed versions that call for assurances on prisoner’s rights, reports on federal activities and noncooperation with spying. Council members Darby Stricker and Lisa Shapiro were absent. "What’s in the Patriot Act reminds me of Watergate 31 years ago," said Roberts. "I’m ready to rattle the palace gates." Wilson indicated he favored the long resolution without question when he made the motion to adopt. The resolution was nearly identical to one adopted by Ashland in February. "It would be really easy for me to support the Patriot Act because I’m a nonthreatening person," said Steyskal. He favored the longer version "because of its educational and explanatory nature. It’s not watered down." Japanese internment during World War II and McCarthyism in the 1950s resulted from laws similar to the act, he said "I’m very, very proud of this little town," said Jill Isles, who brought the resolution before to the council on March 19. During public testimony, Isles recalled experiencing greater freedom when she came to the United States from England. "People can tell when their rights are being trampled on," said Isles. "We have the right to dissent without being called a traitor." Three dozen people attended the hearing and 12 gave testimony in favor of the resolution. The crowd broke into applause after the vote. "Waiting for (the act) to be challenged (in court) would be a huge mistake," said Genevieve Windsor. "Let’s not fall for it." "I treasure the freedom you have here," said Helen Scholom, a naturalized citizen. "Race and religion have become grounds for suspicion." Council members decided to hold a public hearing and to seek the advice of the city attorney on March 19. City Manager Betty Wheeler presented an alternative version of the ordinance to the council. It incorporated language and dropped wording as suggested by City Attorney William Mansfield. Mayor Marian Telerski introduced the shorter version proposed in Ashland’s. Wheeler said she and Police Chief Edward Hanson had concerns about conflicts between the resolution and oaths they had taken to support federal and state laws. "To follow some aspects of this Patriot Act would be to violate some aspects of state law," said Mansfield. Mansfield recommended replacing wording that said there was no inherent conflict between national security and the preservation of liberty. He suggested government could strike a reasonable balance between the safety of the public and the civil liberties. "It’s a healthy tension," said Mansfield. Mansfield also recommended eliminating language to request state and federal authorities report their activities under the Patriot Act to the city because "I think it’s futile to pursue." A total of 73 cities, towns or counties with 5,845,464 residents across the nation had passed resolutions to protect civil liberties before the council’s decision, according to a Bill of Rights Defense Committee Web site. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S