pages: CityCouncil/2017-03-07.pdf, 16
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CityCouncil | 2017-03-07 | 16 | Mayor Spencer stated that she hears and supports the community concerns; the people need to have a voice; Alameda has a very strong voice represented by Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi; Congresswoman Lee is not asking cities to weigh in on the matter at this point; the Constitution provides that the House of Representatives has the sole power over impeachment; she is concerned about the financial risk to the City; Alameda has a former Naval base that is in process of being cleaned; how Alameda is going to move forward is important in the changing financial environment; being a Sanctuary City sent a strong message; supporting this referral will be a second time Alameda sends a strong message to the President; she strongly believes Congresswomen Lee and Pelosi are doing their job; she will not be supporting the resolution and will follow the leadership Congresswomen Lee and Pelosi. Councilmember Matarrese stated if the matter comes down to risking funding versus protecting the constitutional rights of Alameda's citizens, he does not have to think twice about protecting citizens; he would jump on the issue now if he thought it would do something; there is a time to address the issue in in the future; the issue is a partisan one; a resolution is not appropriate; as individual members, voices can be heard with the same effect as a resolution; he would like to hold off until there is a clearer picture of what is happening in Congress. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she concurs with all Councilmembers; the President has an utter disregard for the rule of law; she is frustrated at the appalling turn of events under the new administration; a symbolic resolution is not going to have the necessary impact; what is needed is more democrats and elected officials to oppose executive decisions; urged people to act where it can really make a difference; stated working locally can address the impacts of the administration's actions; the priority setting workshop came up with matrix of issues that need attending; time is a finite commodity; she cannot support the resolution but does not dismiss it; the referral could be revisited. Councilmember Oddie stated the issue is not a political one; asking representatives and Congress as a whole to conduct an investigation is not going to stir the pot or cause undue harm; he was elected to speak up and support the Constitution; citizens opposed going to war in 2003 asked Congress not to go to war; there are rules of law; the request is not to impeach, the request is to investigate; he wants to make sure it is clear the intent is not fear mongering; Council does take a stand for the citizens. Vice Mayor Vella moved adoption of the resolution in support of a congressional investigation. Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the motion could be amended as a simplified resolution directed to the Congressional representatives. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 14 March 7, 2017 | CityCouncil/2017-03-07.pdf |