Chatham County commissioners adopt resolution calling for amendment to limit corporate constitutional rights

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a resolution urging an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to state that corporations are not natural persons and that the expenditure of corporate money is not First Amendment speech exempt from regulation. Chair read the draft at the start of the meeting, saying the resolution would be forwarded to the county’s congressional delegation.

Commissioner Robertson praised the text and urged the board to add its voice to other local governments. "If it weren't so long, I'd ask you to read it again because I think it's worthy," Robertson said. Commissioner Delaney raised concerns about the board taking a position on federal legal interpretations and asked whether the board had the legal authority and whether legal counsel had weighed in. The motion to adopt passed on a voice vote; the meeting record shows one commissioner registering opposition after the vote.