Twisp Council debates Resolution 25-745; agrees to draft proclamation after legal review

Mayor Smith and council members heard more than half a dozen public comments both supporting and opposing Resolution 25-745, the proposed 'Defense of Constitutional Rights and Civil Liberties' document. Supporters framed the measure as civic transparency and a nonpartisan affirmation of constitutional protections; Allison Barrett told the council the measure was "non-partisan and is focused on the constitution." Opponents warned it carried operational and policing implications; Russ Thomas said the text went beyond the 14th Amendment and that "interpreting the 14th amendment is way above anyone at Town's paygrade."

After public comment and consultation with legal counsel and Sheriff Budrow, Mayor Smith said he shared counsel's concerns about sections two and three. Rather than rescind the resolution immediately, the council supported Mayor Smith's proposal to remove the problematic language and have a sponsor (Kathleen Manseau) work with the mayor to reframe the document as a proclamation. Council members characterized the next step as drafting and returning the revised language for future consideration rather than taking immediate formal action. Paula Mackrow, a commenter, framed the stakes rhetorically, quoting: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you join the oppressor."

The discussion distinguished declaratory language from operational directives affecting town staff or law enforcement: councilors said they wanted to avoid language that would impose or imply local authority to block lawful operations. No motion to rescind or adopt the resolution occurred; the council's direction was to produce a revised proclamation for review at a later meeting.