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Residents press council over proclamations; mayor's guidelines draw praise and concern
Summary
Dozens of residents urged caution over recent proclamations and supported Mayor Smith's written guidance, while authors and other commenters said the items were nonpartisan and urged broader public forums. The debate prompted council discussion about adopting formal guidelines.
Dozens of residents packed the public-comment period at the Twisp Town Council meeting on June 10 to criticize and defend recent proclamation and resolution requests and the mayor's proposed guidelines for handling them. Mayor Smith and multiple council members heard sharply divided views on whether such proclamations fall within town business.
Fred Cooley, a longtime resident and former council member, told the council he supported Council Member Katrina Auburn and Mayor Smith's guidance, calling the protocols "prudent and wise." "I'm disappointed that they leave Town open for a larger political statement," Cooley said. By contrast, Kathleen Manseau, who authored one of the proclamation drafts, said the text was not partisan and urged a public forum for discussion: "This proclamation is not a partisan issue."
Several speakers urged more public input and clearer procedures. Kim Frey said she researched jurisdictional lines and asked the council to "give the public an opportunity to look at it and give their input" before moving forward on sensitive items. Doug Irvine said the guidelines are helpful but could be tightened, warning that complex procedures can favor those already familiar with the system.
Other commenters raised risks of antagonizing federal partners. Les Stokes warned that opposing federal action might jeopardize federal funding, and Gary Reed questioned parts of a Constitution-related resolution that would direct the mayor to report requests from law enforcement agencies in writing, asking whether that language could be revised to avoid unintended consequences for town services.
Mayor Smith told the council he will continue using his written guidelines when advising whether constituent-led proclamations appear on the agenda, but reminded members that two council members can place an item on the agenda without the mayor's approval. After discussion the council agreed that if members want an official Council policy they should have two members draft a proposed guideline for future consideration.
The public debate preceded several consent and administrative votes that evening but left clear community interest in formalizing a process: whether to tighten Mayor Smith's guidance, or to draft a Council-owned policy that would determine how and when proclamations and resolutions come before the body.
