PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County commissioners unanimously voted Monday to adopt a human rights proclamation, drawing applause from the more than 60 people who braved snowy conditions to attend the morning meeting at the county courthouse in Port Townsend.
The proclamation says that the county’s elected officials “are committed to protecting the inalienable human, dignity and equality of all individuals, regardless of age, race, national origin, immigration and citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, creed or mental or physical disability.”
Before the vote, members of the public spoke during an extended 45-minute public comment session. According to Commissioner Kate Dean, more than 20 comments were also sent in to the commissioners before the meeting.
Many of the members of the public who did get a chance to speak were in favor of the proclamation.
“I especially appreciate the language that includes all individuals,” Nan Evens of Port Townsend said. “I would like to point out that a proclamation is limited in enforcement.”
Many shared Evens’ sentiment that a proclamation didn’t go far enough.
“I’m a person who’s looking for action,” Jo Allison of Port Townsend said. “I’m looking for a next step. What kind of boots on the ground action do we have?”
Many of the public comments made reference to some of the actions that have been taken by Seattle’s elected officials in recent weeks as they vowed to remain a sanctuary city, protecting illegal immigrants by not prosecuting them for violating federal immigration laws in the country in which they are now living.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Jan. 25 that says that “jurisdictions that willfully refuse to comply with 8 U.S.C. 1373 (sanctuary jurisdictions) are not eligible to receive federal grants, except as deemed necessary for law enforcement purposes by the Attorney General or the Secretary.”
Both Commissioners Dean and Kathleen Kler said in their responses to comments about sanctuary cities that the proclamation is the first step for Jefferson County when it comes to protecting human rights.
“This is not just words,” Kler said. “Words and the formulating of words and the speaking of words is the first step.”
Kler said that the three commissioners have been working to draft the proclamation since before the first of the year. The proclamation itself was based on a similar proclamation passed last year in Kittitas County, drafted by an entirely Republican board of county commissioners.
“This is not a partisan issue. This is a human rights issue,” Kler said.
Along with the three county commissioners, all of Jefferson County’s elected officials — except for judges — signed the proclamation during Monday’s meeting.
“It’s sad that we have to bring these things up like they’re something special,” said county Assessor Jeff Chapman. “They should just be basic human rights.”
County Clerk Ruth Gordon also spoke in favor of signing the proclamation. She added that it may not be without cost.
“We may, down the road, lose federal funds,” Gordon said. “There are services on the line here and I just want you to know that.”
The commissioners also invited Sheriff Dave Stanko to attend. Stanko is out of town for two weeks but sent Detective Arthur Frank to speak on behalf of the department.
“We are not immigration, we are not federal employees,” Frank said. “We represent the people of this county and our job is to keep the people of this county safe.”
Frank said the Sheriff’s Office implemented a new policy in April that aligns with the inclusive ideals in the commission’s Human Rights Proclamation.
The full text of the proclamation can be found in the Commissioners Feb. 6 meeting agenda which is posted online at www.co.jefferson.wa.us.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.
