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Commissioners note and place on file citizen’s request to seek presidential impeachment after lengthy debate
Summary
After public comment and extended debate over whether local officials should weigh in on national politics, the Butte-Silver Bow Council voted 9-0 to 'note and place on file' a communication asking the council to urge Congress to impeach the president; the speaker said he will refile a revised letter if he chooses.
Chair Thatcher opened discussion on communication 202-6175, submitted by local resident Mark Phillip, who asked the council to "support a letter and a resolution calling for the impeachment of President Trump for starting an unconstitutional and illegal war." Phillip told the council he prepared a packet of supporting documents and a draft resolution for consideration.
Commissioners debated whether asking Congress to impeach the president was an appropriate use of the council’s authority. Commissioner Gerben described the request as an urging of federal action rather than a local policy, saying it "simply urges action by our congressional delegation" and should not merit retribution from the governor. Several commissioners pushed back on taking a formal local position: Commissioner Fisher said he "would not support a resolution at this time" and preferred a letter of encouragement; Commissioner O'Leary said he would favor an anti-war letter but not an impeachment resolution because impeachment is a political act and the council should focus on local services and operations.
Deputy County Attorney Peterson clarified that a resolution would need to be drafted by the county attorney’s office, while a letter of support could be produced and approved by the council without that requirement. Phillip told the council he was open to submitting a revised communication and a letter instead of a resolution.
On a substitute motion to "note and place this communication on file" — a procedural step that records the submission but does not adopt the proposed action — the council voted 9 yays, 0 nays. Clerk recorded the vote and the motion passed. The chair and staff noted Mr. Phillip could resubmit a clarified communication asking explicitly for a letter or a resolution to return for future consideration.
The council’s action was procedural: it did not send a letter or adopt a resolution urging impeachment. The substitute motion and vote concluded the matter for this session; the submitter may return with a revised communication if he chooses.
