Resolution in opposition to law criticized by some.
By: Jill Matthews
WEST WINDSOR While most of the packed crowd at the Township Council meeting Monday night was enthusiastically in favor of the township passing a resolution opposing the law Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism better known as the USA PATRIOT Act a few township residents indicated their support for the federal legislation.
Despite the attempts by the handful of those in opposition, the Township Council voted 3-0 to pass a resolution that said Congress should hold "full and fair hearings regarding the PATRIOT Act, its provisions and its enforcement and amend the act as necessary to eliminate any chilling effect on constitutional liberties and to implement effective programs targeted at actual or potential threats without compromising the values that are fundamental to America."
Councilwoman Kristin Appelget abstained and Councilman Charles Morgan was absent.
"When I first read about this in the papers, I was a little disturbed, a little irate," said resident Jack Flood. Mr. Flood, opposed to the township resolution, said he had problems with some of the language used, which he suggested were partisan political statements.
Mr. Flood, a former township mayor, pointed out that part of the language in the resolution only referred to actual threats and contended that the phrase "potential threats" should also be added to reflect the challenges the government faces in combating terrorism.
"You’re not dealing with ice cream salesmen here, believe me," said Mr. Flood, referring to terrorists.
The council added the phase "potential threats" to the resolution before voting on it.
Residents Jane and Bob Cox both said they did not feel it was the council’s role to debate the appropriateness of the PATRIOT Act, a federal law, when there is a long list of concerns that need to be addressed in the township. Mrs. Cox suggested that concerns regarding the PATRIOT Act should be addressed to elected officials in federal office, like the president, congressional representatives and U.S. senators.
"The PATRIOT Act, while it is a national act, also affects us here in West Windsor," said Councilwoman Jacqueline Alberts.
While recognizing the importance of the government’s need to protect its citizens, the West Windsor Citizens for Civil Liberties believes the act goes too far in balancing civil liberties and protecting citizens, said Karen Ali, a member of the group.
The group first appeared before the council in mid-November to urge the township to pass a resolution opposing the act. At the time, the council seemed inclined to pass such a resolution but decided to create its own, rather than using the detailed resolution the civil liberties group had presented.
Several members of the civil liberties group again expressed their desire for the council to pass the resolution Monday. One member, Hassan Sayed, said citizens should utilize every public forum available to express their concerns, including the local government level.
While council members Franc Gambatese, Alison Miller and Ms. Alberts expressed strong support for the resolution, Ms. Appelget said she did not feel strongly in support or opposition to the act and that she was not knowledgeable about the act.
"I don’t think I’m educated enough to take a stand for the 22,000 residents of West Windsor," said Ms. Appelget, adding that she was elected to focus on local issues, like potholes.
When the resolution was adopted, members of West Windsor Citizens for Civil Liberties gave a standing ovation.