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Rutland Board affirms due-process protections in resolution after public outcry; 9-0 vote
Summary
The Rutland City Board of Aldermen approved a resolution condemning violations of due process and affirming constitutional protections for all people in the city, voting 9-0 to approve and circulate the measure.
The Rutland City Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a resolution condemning violations of due process and pledging to protect constitutional rights for all people in the city, regardless of citizenship, national origin or political belief.
The resolution, presented April 21 by Alderman Aldwin Talbot, said recent detentions of legal residents without clear access to counsel represented an escalation in government overreach. The board approved the resolution and authorized circulation for signatures; the board also directed the mayor and city attorney to review city policies to ensure protections for due process are upheld.
Talbot said the resolution was intended to affirm the city’s commitment to equal protection and to invite local law enforcement leadership to sign in solidarity. The motion to suspend the rules and take the resolution up that night passed, and the final approval was recorded by roll call: Aldermen Heck, Coopoli, Clifford, Talbot, Taddeo, Donahue, Gillum, McClure and Davis voted yes; the motion passed 9-0.
Supporters from the public spoke during a lengthy public-comment period before the vote. Several residents urged the board to adopt the unamended resolution and praised local police for outreach and transparency; others cautioned about precise phrasing. Alderman Tom Donahue and Alderman Sharon Davis pressed for maintaining language that would make a clear statement of protection for groups that may face discrimination.
The resolution directs a review of city policies by the mayor and city attorney; it also invites the Rutland City Police Department leadership and the Rutland Police Union to sign in solidarity. The resolution does not create new enforcement powers or change statutory responsibilities — it is a formal expression of the board’s position and a request for voluntary signatures from law enforcement leadership.
The board’s action came amid multiple public comments on immigration, due process, and trust in local institutions. Board members said the measure was intended to reassure residents and clarify the city’s stance while preserving the limits of municipal authority.
Officials said the resolution will be circulated for signatures and that staff and the city attorney will follow up on the requested policy review.
