PORT TOWNSEND — The three Jefferson County commissioners Monday passed a resolution opposing “corporate personhood” and stating that the U.S. Constitution should protect the rights of individuals rather than corporations.
The resolution is symbolic and nonbinding, but is nonetheless important, according to Commissioner David Sullivan, cqwho said “it’s gratifying to see local citizens making their voices heard about national issues.”
The resolution is part of a national effort on behalf of Move to Amend and is in reaction to the January 2010 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that equated money with
free speech.
The Port Townsend City Council passed a similar resolution against the ruling in March.
While similar resolutions are also in progress in Clallam County and other locations, the Port Townsend City Council and Jefferson Board of County Commissioners are the only elected bodies that have passed a resolution in Washington state, according to the Move to Amend website.
“We are very proud of the people that we have elected to office in Jefferson County and the fact that they consider this to be an important issue,” said Steve Hamm, cqa spokesperson for Occupy Port Townsend Move to Amend.
Hamm said his group had collected about 1,600 signatures in favor of a constitutional amendment.
“We asked that everyone who signed the petition identify themselves as registered voters, so this represents a significant portion of the electorate,” Hamm said.
“It’s important on our level because Congress isn’t moving on this, and the Washington state Legislature isn’t taking action. This sends a signal to my organization, that we need to take this message to the people.”
Hamm said there are three reasons the resolution has received strong support in Jefferson County.
“We have a group of activists who want to address the issue; there is a progressive, socially-minded constituency who sees the issue’s importance; and we have elected officials who show support for these issues when they are contacted by their constituents,” Hamm said.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
