We are writing to register our strong support for passage of the “Resolution of Commitment to Promoting an Open, Respectful, Healthy Community” as drafted by The Woodstove Alliance and affirmed by the many individuals, businesses, churches and nonprofit organizations who have signed on in support of that strongly worded resolution. We plan to attend tonight’s City Council workshop to speak to Councilmembers about our support for an undiluted resolution.

Any efforts to dilute or amend the resolution submitted to Council are unnecessary. Those who argue that it is not needed are wearing blinders. The truth is that many of our city’s residents are subject to routine harassment in school, on our streets and sidewalks, in our public places, and in places of business 

A resolution is not legally binding. It does not, as some have asserted, declare Rockland a “sanctuary city.” It should not distinguish between groups of immigrants. It is merely a statement of what we aspire to as citizens of a city that is home to immigrants, transgender and gay residents, disabled people, and people of color--people who all deserve our respect and consideration. 

We need each of our elected Council members to state unequivocally that our city government stands with ALL Rockland residents and will not tolerate any attempts to make any citizen feel denigrated, marginalized, belittled or afraid.

George Stephens and Kathy Westra live in Rockland