Astoria council agrees on wording for statement of support for Latinx community

Mayor Fitzpatrick opened the Nov. 24 work session and said staff had prepared a draft statement responding to recent immigration enforcement actions in the county.

"So, this is a statement that was drafted for council's review and potential acceptance," said Dart McLean, Director, explaining the draft outlines council values and is intended for release if the council agrees. Councilors discussed whether a separate resolution or ordinance was necessary and concluded the draft is a joint statement that could be released after council agreement.

Councilor Andrea Melzarella read a draft "whereas" clause listing protected characteristics the council proposed to include in the statement: "whereas the city of Astoria rejects discrimination, bias, or exclusionary acts or policies toward historically marginalized groups and toward all people regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, disability, faith, gender, gender identity and expression, ****** orientation, relationship status, family structure, or nationality." She invited additions to ensure the language is inclusive.

Council members also discussed accompanying action steps. Councilor Andy Davis urged that some proposed protective language be codified in the city code — not merely included as a whereas — and staff said the council could expect resolutions related to land use and the city's relationship with state ORS on immigration support at the Dec. 1 regular meeting.

Liz Adams said she had spoken with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici's office, which encouraged moving forward first with statements and then resolutions; Adams noted neighboring cities, including Cannon Beach and Seaside, had acted on similar language and suggested staff coordinate model text across the county.

Staff confirmed they will place a couple of model statements in the packet and aim to distribute materials by Wednesday so the council can finalize wording at the upcoming meeting.