Council Reviews Sanctuary Laws
Last Thursday morning in Florence, the City Council met with city officials for a special session on Oregon’s Sanctuary laws, originally established in 1987. City Attorney Ross Williamson clarified that his hour-long presentation was informational only, outlining the law and its responsibilities without offering policy recommendations. Council members posed questions periodically throughout the presentation. Following a brief recess, the council reconvened to hear from Florence Police Chief John Pitcher. Chief Pitcher explained that the Florence Police Department’s role is to maintain public safety and act as observers while federal immigration officials carry out their duties, and that FPD will not intervene unless presented with an official arrest warrant. Councilor Sally Wantz then requested a moment of silence in remembrance of the victim of the recent Minneapolis shooting, her family, and the ICE agent involved. Wantz later proposed an updated resolution based on a previous submission. Councilor Robert Carp spoke against adopting a resolution, stating concerns it could be divisive and disrespectful to individuals who followed legal immigration procedures. After further discussion, a majority of the council agreed to draft a revised resolution removing specific council language and incorporating the city’s already adopted immigration and non-enforcement policy, with the resolution to be brought forward at the next City Council meeting for potential adoption. For full meeting video and council comments, visit ci.florence.or.us.
Wyden Town Hall Coming
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will hold a series of open-to-all town halls across Oregon later this month, including a stop in Florence. Wyden announced eight town halls scheduled between January 16 and 24 in Jefferson, Deschutes, Clackamas, Marion, Lane, Tillamook, Clatsop, and Columbia counties. U.S. Representative Janelle Bynum will co-host the town halls in Deschutes and Clackamas counties. The Lane County town hall is set for Wednesday, January 21, at 5 p.m. at the Siuslaw Middle School main gym, located at 2525 Oak Street in Florence. Wyden says the meetings give Oregonians an opportunity to share concerns and discuss priorities for the year ahead.
Safe Sidewalks to School
Work continues on the Safe Sidewalks to School project on 35th street. Most of the concrete has been paved and will have to be inspected by the Oregon Department of Transportation. Construction cones remain in place as the connection between the asphalt and concrete ADA walkways will have to be completed. Weather this week should assist in helping to complete the project with sunshine and moderate temperatures forecast for most of the week.