City of Plattsburgh votes to investigate Bush impeachment!

I was very excited to attend the Plattsburgh City Council meeting tonight at 6PM. The chamber was packed with people, many of whom spoke in favor of Congress investigating George Bush over a host of alleged violations of law. Only two individuals spoke against the measure, and they seemed to have a personal issue with the Councilor who proposed the resolution, Bill Provost.

One of those present to speak in favor of the resolution was future Congressman Dr. Bob Johnson. Bob explained that the City council was most certainly the best venue for bringing up the issue, since George Bush's actions have put a heavy burden on our local area by taking away funds that would otherwise belong to the City. Bob spoke strongly in favor of the Council passing the resolution.

The Council vote was 4 in favor and 2 opposed. The Council's two Republicans claimed that it was not in fact the proper venue for the people's concerns to be discussed, but the Republican Mayor Dan Stuart, who does not have a vote unless there is a tie, disagreed. He noted that Plattsburgh City citizens should have this venue to speak on all issues - local, national, or global. Mayor Stuart did not express support or opposition to the resolution itself.

I am very proud of my friend, and fellow North Country Democracy for America member, Councilor Bill Provost for making this vote possible. The voters of the City of Plattsburgh's Ward 6 are lucky to have such a dedicated representative. I also congratulate Councilors Amy Valentine (Ward 5), William Sabourin (Ward 4), and James Godfrey (Ward 2), who showed the great patriotism and strength to support this resolution.

The resolution now goes to Congressman John McHugh, who must decide which of his loyalties come first, his party or the people of the 23rd Congressional district.

Here is the text of the resolution in it's entirety:

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THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK PETITION FOR STRONG AND SUSTAINED GOVERNMENT

WHEREAS, it is the uniform practice of the US House of Representatives to receive petitions or resolutions from primary assemblies of the people, and

Whereas, on March 13th, 2003, the Plattsburgh City Council approved a resolution urging president George W. Bush to use all diplomatic means possible before resorting to force in the run up to the invasion of Iraq, and

Whereas, on March 20th, 2003 the United States of America, on the basis of evidence that proved to be erroneous, provided by the President, initiated this war in violation of International Law, and

Whereas, there is now substantial concern the President and his Administration misled Congress and the American people regarding the decision to go to war with Iraq; misstated and manipulated intelligence information regarding the justification for such war; countenanced torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and other illegal violations in Iraq and elsewhere; and permitted inappropriate retaliation against critics of their Administration, and

Whereas, growing numbers of Americans have lost confidence in our government;and in order to support our troops and protect our country from those that would do us harm; we need a strong and credible government with the faith and consent of the American people; and in an effort to restore confidence in our government, therefore,

Be it resolved that Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh, New York endorses House Resolution 635 in calling for a select bipartisan committee investigation of the Iraq pre-war intelligence and the Executive's post occupation conduct and

Be it also resolved by the Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh New York, at this time of growing dissention, that our representative in the United States Congress, John McHugh, be hereby requested to co-sponsor and support HR 635 ,and

Be it resolved further that the Clerk of the City of Plattsburgh New York be, and is hereby, instructed to certify to the Clerk of the House of Representatives, under the seal of the City of Plattsburgh, a copy of this resolution and its adoption by the City of Plattsburgh, and that this resolution be entered in the United States Congressional Journal. The copies shall be marked with the word "Petition" at the top of the document and contain the authorizing signature of the clerk of the city of Plattsburgh, New York.

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Later in the night Dr. Bob Johnson was officially endorsed by North Country DFA. He spoke before the group and took many questions. We are very enthusiastic about Bob's campaign, and welcome the support of all North Country voters.

It was discussed at the meeting that a certain potential candidate seeking the endorsement of North Country Democrats to run for New York State Assembly is actively opposed to Dr. Johnson's campaign for reasons of personal interest.

Thankfully the North Country DFA and many local town Democratic boards have endorsed the other man seeking to be the Democratic candidate, our next North Country Assemblyman Andrew Brockway. Cooperation between our candidates will be essential to victory and will help to ensure Americans can regain control of their Government from the Republican Culture of Corruption.