HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-04-1999 - 3e3~
Orange County Commissioners
P. O. Box 8181
200 S Cameron Street
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Alice M. Gordon, Chair
Stephen K Halkiotis, Vice Chair
Margaret W. Brown
Moses Carey, Jr.
Barry Jacobs
MEMORANDUM
TO: ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS
ALL MAYORS
CHAIRS OF ALL COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
FROM: Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk
Board of Commissioners
DATE: May 7, 1999
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SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION REGARDING CIVIL DISCOURSE IN ORANGE COUNTY
On May 4, 1999 the Orange County Board of Commissioners unanimously
approved the attached resolution entitled "A Resolution Regarding Civil Discourse in Orange
County."
The Commissioners requested that this resolution be forwarded to all elected
officials in Orange County, the Mayor of each municipality and to the Chairs of the County
Boards and Commissions. They ask that you consider placing a similar resolution on an
upcoming agenda for consideration by your Board.
Thank you.
cc: Staff Support for County Boards/Commissions
You Count In Orange County
AREA CODE (9l9) 732-8181: 968-4501: 688-7331: 227-2031: FAX (9l9) 644-3004
Ext. 2130
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A Resolution Regarding Civil Discourse in Orange County
WHEREAS, it is the duty of local governments to be representative of the people; and,
WHEREAS, in a democracy, at times there is constructive disagreement among people;
and,
WHEREAS, there are ongoing discussions about the future of this county, but all citizens
are working together to create effective public policy that serves the needs of
the community; and,
WHEREAS, in a democracy, the fullest expression of diverse opinions and free discourse is
the essence of civil debate; and,
WHEREAS, divergent opinion that focuses on issues is welcome and necessary; and,
WHEREAS, free speech does not encompass incitement to violence against people or slurs
against the ethnic, religious, racial heritage or sexual orientation of other
people; or reference, provocation, or threats of violence against any citizen;
and,
WHEREAS, violation of the limit of free speech is ultimately destructive to the democratic
process; and,
WHEREAS, we, the elected and appointed officials of Orange County will set examples for
the population at large in pursuit of these democratic principles.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we adhere to the principles outlined above,
agree to abide by them, and call on all citizens of Orange County to conduct
themselves in accordance herewith.
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Alice M. ordon, a'
Stephen H. Halk ~otis, Vice Chair