HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-01-2018 4-a - Resolution To Oppose Marsy’s Law Constitutional Amendment 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 1, 2018
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Resolution To Oppose Marsy's Law Constitutional Amendment
DEPARTMENT: BOCC
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donna Baker, Clerk to the Orange
- Draft Resolution County Board of Commissioners,
919-245-2130
PURPOSE: To consider approval of a resolution opposing Marsy's Law Constitutional
Amendment.
BACKGROUND: On March 20, 2018 the Orange County Board of Commissioners adopted a
resolution in support of Marsy's Law. This proposal is now on the November 2018 ballot as a
constitutional amendment, and is part of a broader campaign to amend the North Carolina
Constitution.
The attached draft resolution provides the opportunity to rescind the resolution adopted on
March 20, 2018, as well as formally express opposition to the Marsy's Law / Crime Victims'
Amendment constitutional referendum.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
resolution.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this agenda item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
• GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board consider approving and
authorizing the Chair to sign the attached resolution.
2
RES-2018-066
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE MARSY'S LAW CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
WHEREAS, in March 2oi8 the Orange County Board of Commissioners adopted a
resolution in support of Marsy's Law, which is now on the November 2oi8 ballot as a
constitutional amendment; and
WHEREAS, since that time, this amendment has become part of a broader campaign to
amend the North Carolina Constitution to fundamentally undermine the separation of
powers and core democratic principles; and
WHEREAS, while we are committed to supporting victims and their families and believe
they deserve dignity and respect, further analysis of this amendment reveals that it will
violate due process rights, unnecessarily restrict and delay criminal proceedings,
undercut diversion programs and other efforts to reduce incarceration rates in our
community, and significantly increase costs for our criminal justice system; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina already has statutory and constitutional protections for crime
victims, and that those victims would be better served by increased State resources for
existing victims' support programs, domestic violence shelters, and effective diversion,
counseling, and re-entry programs, rather that this unnecessary and misleading
amendment;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
doe hereby rescind the resolution adopted on March 20, 2oi8; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners is opposed
to the Marsy's Law / Crime Victims' Amendment constitutional referendum, and
encourages all residents of Orange County North Carolina to also oppose this misguided
and harmful amendment.
This the ist day of November, 2oi8.
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners