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February 20, 2017
Dear Mayor Zak,
We are writing in response to the current resolution to be presented for discussion and vote on February 27, 2017 regarding Homer as a “sanctuary city”.
We do not agree with this resolution on many fronts for some of the following reasons. The body of the text relies on untruths such as “the new administration is in power in Washington DC without a popular mandate”. By our federal laws, we operate through an Electoral College that protects small population states such as Alaska, from having no say in who is voted into office. Pres. Trump won the Electoral College vote, agree with that or not. The city of Homer’s popular vote was also for Pres. Trump.
Second, many portions of the resolution are based on statements made during the campaign that some feel are “offensive”. Contrary to wishful thinking, statements made during a campaign are NOT law, and should not be used to draft a governmental resolution. To base a resolution affecting not only the entire city, but the surrounding areas on “feelings” is silly. Our laws are in place to protect the citizens of our country not “illegals”. Laws are also in place to allow immigrants to come into our country legally.
Third, this resolution actually draws a line to divide the city instead of bringing it together. The president in fact reinforced the right of protection for the LBGTQ population.
Fourth, the economic impact is far more reaching than the city is prepared to handle. We are trying to reach out to the community now to help with our own homeless population. How does the city provide for an influx of more people without homes?
There are many other things said in the resolution that can be commented on, but these are the main things we wanted to point out to you. We urge you and the Council to throw out this un-thought out resolution in its entirety. Laws are currently in place to protect the legal citizens and visitors of our community from hate crimes. We cannot support a resolution that will only promote more hate and division.
Respectfully,
Troy and Linda Jones 33740 Jones Dr. Homer, AK 99603 |