Jefferson County commissioners took a bold and well-worded step on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 by approving a human rights proclamation.

Every county elected official, with the exception of the superior court and district court judges, who opted not to take a political stand, signed on to a proclamation that commits Jefferson County to protecting “inalienable human rights, dignity and equality of all individuals, regardless of age, race, national origin, immigration and citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, religion, creed or mental or physical disability.”

When they did that, it was clear that the county was taking a stand on President Donald Trump’s tweet attacks and travel ban plans on immigrants and Muslims.

It was a solid and timely proclamation.

Interestingly, there were no public hearings on it, no ad hoc committee meetings, no drawn-out debates. And the word “sanctuary” – as in “sanctuary city” – isn’t in the proclamation anywhere.

The City of Port Townsend, in the meantime, has had several public meetings and ad hoc committee meetings, and is grappling with wording on whether to declare the city a “sanctuary city” or a “welcoming city.”

Why not do what Jefferson County did and keep it simple.

The world outside of Jefferson County is well aware of the fact that Jefferson County is a progressive county that voted for Hillary Clinton over Trump.

There are a number of other issues facing Port Townsend worthy of time and debate and legal expertise, including affordable housing.

Sheriff Dave Stanko, Jefferson County’s lone independent official, signed the proclamation, and he’s has already made it clear that his deputies should not “determine the immigration status of crime victims and witnesses” or “take enforcement action against them.”

Realistically, what would the City of Port Townsend do if there were immigrants who wanted to come to town? There’s a shortage of affordable housing for those who do live here now, and the most recent homeless count in Jefferson County revealed that there are families living in cars with infants.

That’s not to say the city shouldn’t take a stand.

But maybe it’s time to do what Jefferson County did and keep it strong – and simple.