Council rejects motion to adopt 'stand for freedom' resolution after debate over authority

A motion to adopt Resolution 1546, described in the packet as supporting protection of constitutional rights during emergencies, failed on Nov. 1 after no councilor seconded the proposer’s motion.

Colleen Byer, who said she formerly lived in Mount Angel, urged the council to adopt the draft resolution to "protect our constitutional rights in cases of emergencies," telling the council that government mandates on masks and vaccines amount to coercion. "If people choose to wear a mask or get a vaccine, let it be their own free choice, free of government induced coercion," Byer said during the public-comment period.

During the council discussion, a councilor identified in the record as council president said they would vote no and explained the reason: while supporting vaccination where social distancing is impossible, they opposed the resolution because a city council and citizens "do not have the power to declare something unconstitutional," and only courts have that authority. "By approving a resolution of this nature, I submit we are violating the constitution and our oath of office," the councilor said.

Councilor Stoga (mover of the resolution) made a motion to approve Resolution 1546 later in the meeting, but no councilor seconded the motion and it therefore failed. The council did not adopt the resolution.

The record shows public commenters, including Byer and calls from Susie Morris, urged adoption; council debate focused on the legal authority and appropriateness of the city taking a declaratory stance rather than on local operational policy. The council did not take further action on the measure at this meeting.