AMHERST — Amherst officials are calling out what they contend are unlawful and unconstitutional actions by the Trump administration, and are asking the state’s legislative delegation to enforce the Constitution, work with the federal judiciary to restore separation of powers and overturn corrupt acts by the president.
In advance of Constitution Day on Sept. 17, the council on Monday, in an 8-0 vote, adopted a “Resolution in Support of Democracy and Calling for a Return to the Constitutional Principles that are the Foundation of our Republic.”
“I feel this is an attempt to address the constitutional crisis that we are living in, the set up of an authoritarian government, and there’s a part of me that feels any step forward in that, however small or slightly misplaced or unrhythmic it might be, is an important step,” said District 2 Councilor Pat De Angelis, who supported the resolution.
De Angelis, who added she is frightened by the current administration and the lack of standing up for democracy by both Democrats and Republicans in Washington, was joined in voting in favor of the resolution by Council President Lynn Griesemer, District 5 Councilor Ana Devlin Gauthier, District 4 Councilor Pamela Rooney, District 3 Councilors Heather Hala Lord and George Ryan, District 1 Councilor Cathy Schoen and At Large Councilor Andy Steinberg.
Three councilors, District 1’s Ndifreke Ette, District 5’s Bob Hegner and At Large Mandi Jo Hanneke, abstained from the vote, while District 4 Councilor Jennifer Taub and At Large Councilor Ellisha Walker were absent.
The resolution was brought forward by Sarah Marshall, a member of the Amherst School Committee, though not in her elected capacity, as a way, she said, to support democracy and be against outrageous conduct that is escalating weekly.
Marshall said the “authoritarian takeover” is illustrated by Trump actions such as disobeying court rulings, attempting to overturn birthright citizenship, denying foundational civil liberties like habeas corpus and withholding Congressionally approved funds.
“The United States faces a moment of unprecedented danger in which the very people having been elected to uphold our Constitution and enforce our laws are deliberately doing the exact opposite,” Marshall said.
The resolution closely follows one adopted by Boston City Council, Marshall said, and she wants to see similar resolutions taken up elsewhere.
“In this moment, silence is consent,” Marshall said.
The resolution also celebrates Massachusetts’ role in the Constitution and condemns the Trump administration’s various actions, such as enforcing immigration in Massachusetts “under the false pretense that our commonwealth is unsafe due to the presence of immigrants” and praises Gov. Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.
Ette said he couldn’t support the resolution because it doesn’t state how the people of Massachusetts and Amherst, specifically, are being affected, and he worries that it’s an empty gesture.
“Not all action is good action and public speech, while still free, is not always efficacious,” Ette said.
He would have liked to mention the scientific and research grants lost at the colleges and University of Massachusetts or the growing number of hungry living locally. Instead, the resolution may be fanning the flames “by alienating the people who agree with the administration,” observing that some constituents may support some actions by the White House, whether it be on immigration, public health and safety or cutting government waste.
“The resolution contributes to the divisiveness in our current political discourse, it lacks, or downplays, the effects of the administration’s actions on our community in Amherst, and ultimately, its final objectives are unachievable,” Ette said.
Hanneke thanked Ette for echoing some of her concerns with the resolution.
Other councilors, though, dismissed these worries, with Devlin Gauthier saying resolutions are often written about upholding democracy and freedoms, and this one comes in the context of Constitution Day.
“I do think this resolution is appropriate,” Devlin Gauthier said.
“I really feel that remaining silent isn’t very helpful,” Lord said.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
Lord adds she wants to fight for the country and for the Constitution.
“But I also I don’t like what’s happening, it does scare me,” Lord said.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
