Grant County Peace Coalition / Proposed Peace Resolution

Resolution Submitted to the Town of Silver City

On 28 January 2003 Grant County Peace Coalition submitted the following suggested resolution to the council of the Town of Silver City for their consideration.

The Council meeting was attended by almost 100 supporters, a number rarely in attendance except for the most crucial issues facing the town's residents.

The Councilors were split with Councilors Clauss and Seibel voting in favor of the resolution and Councilors Ward and May voting against it. Mayor Fortenberry abstained. Not having a majority, the motion failed.

The proposed resolution was as follows.

RESOLUTION 2003-05
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A PEACEFUL SOLUTION
TO THE CURRENT CRISIS IN IRAQ

WHEREAS, the citizens of the Town of Silver City and their local elected officials have the constitutional right to petition the national government on this matter of grave concern to our community as part of the national and international debate now underway; and

WHEREAS, the Silver City Town Council and its citizens are strongly committed to democratic process and open government with full respect for international law; and

WHEREAS, a wide range of civic and religious leaders have declared that a preemptive war on Iraq would be unjust, unneeded and in contravention of international laws; and

WHEREAS, a preemptive war would violate international law and set a new and dangerous precedent and isolate the U.S. from the rest of the world; and

WHEREAS, a preemptive war with Iraq is likely to create and unleash a terrorist threat in our own country beyond anything that we have seen or imagined; and

WHEREAS, international security depends not only on the judicious use of military power, but on all people of all nations working cooperatively and peacefully to resolve problems;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF SILVER CITY:

That we, the members of the Council of the Town of Silver City support a peaceful resolution to the current crisis and oppose a preemptive war by the United States against the nation and people of Iraq; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we give our support to the U.S. military personnel serving at home and abroad; and

THAT WE RECOGNIZE, the best way to support our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, husbands, and wives in the military is to ensure that we never send them into an unjust, unnecessary, and irrational war.

AND FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution is forwarded to the Governor of New Mexico, the New Mexico Congressional delegation, and the President of the United States.

-------------------------------------------
Terry Fortenberry, Mayor

Attest:

Jane Toomajanian, Town Clerk

We profoundly regret that this resolution did not pass before the City Council. But many other towns and cities across America have shown the vision and courage of conviction to pass similar resolutions.

Please visit Cities for Peace to examine a list of hundreds of towns, universities, and labor organizations across the country that have passed or are presenting resolutions.

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