I was very disappointed to learn that the City Council had decided that Port Townsend will not join other Washington state municipalities in declaring itself a Sanctuary City.

I would like to live in a city which makes it clear that people of color and of all ethnicities or cultures can feel safe and welcome here. In the face of our current political climate I would expect we would make it abundantly clear that we will stand up for the civil rights of all our inhabitants.

I recall that one member of the city staff indicated that very little would be lost in federal funds in the face of punitive measures by the federal government. And even if it were, are the principles of equal treatment so easily set aside? So, City Council, why are we not on record as a Sanctuary City? Do we take our privileges so much for granted that we can’t understand what it might mean to be a person of color, or to be one of our many hardworking immigrants to be able to walk down a street, or drive a car in this town without fear of being questioned?

HANNAH RUSSELL

Port Townsend