At the end of the February 7, 2017 Council meeting, I read a statement of my personal opinion on President Trump's January 27 Executive Order regarding immigration. I invited my fellow Councilors to discuss this with our residents, and consider passing a Resolution stating our community's values on this issue. At the April 4 Council meeting, a proposed Resolution was discussed, but the Council and community were divided about the wording of the Resolution. A subcommittee consisting of myself and Councilors Maggiore and Chrobocinski was appointed to try to find wording acceptable to all. The following Proclamation was agreed upon, and received strong public support. Council voted unanimously (7-0) in favor of this Proclamation at the August 29, 2017 Council meeting.

Proclamation Celebrating the Contributions and Just Treatment of Immigrants and Refugees in the County of Los Alamos

WHEREAS, The community of Los Alamos was formed with the objective of completing the Manhattan Project in order to put an end to World War II; and; and

WHEREAS, The Manhattan Project would not have been successful in ending World War II without the contributions of many refugees and immigrants from war-torn countries; and

WHEREAS, Since that time, the community of Los Alamos has welcomed talented people from all over the world who have brought their scientific, educational and cultural skills to advance the continuing national security and scientific work of Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the cultural development of our community; and

WHEREAS, The United States is a nation of native people and many immigrants, refugees and their descendants, all of whom from the beginning of this country have made many contributions to our common welfare; and

WHEREAS, The government of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos complies with all laws, including those regarding immigration, in accordance with the U.S. Constitution; and

WHEREAS, It is the just enforcement of those laws under the Constitution that provides a society in which all people can feel safe and free to make their contributions to the community;

WHEREAS, We are a community that values the just treatment of all people;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos celebrates the many contributions to our national security and culture by our residents who have been immigrants or refugees; and

FURTHERMORE, we support and observe the fundamental American value that all people should be treated with respect, justice and compassion.