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Mr. Brozosky supported the Library Commission requests, but not the staff <br />recommendation 2 because it goes beyond the Commission recommendations. He did not feel <br />Council should endorse that. <br /> <br />Mayor Pico invited public testimony. <br /> <br /> Michael Bischoff, 7609 Landale Avenue, Dublin, felt this issue involved all the citizens <br />of the United States as well as elected Boards and City Councils. He wanted to preserve the U.S. <br />Constitution and to speak for all those who have fought to defend it. Council was elected to be <br />the voice of the people and not just set policy, hire the City Manager and oversee City business. <br />The oath of office included defending the Constitution. He urged Council to support the Library <br />Commission and also to denounce the Patriot Act. <br /> <br /> Vanessa Kawaihau, 871 Sycamore Road, thanked the Library Commission for taking the <br />action it did and she thanked Council for allowing the Commission to consider political issues. <br />She related an incident when she was in school when lockers were searched and books removed. <br />She noted the titles and subjects of some of the books. That changed how she purchased or <br />checked out books. She felt it was important to stop the government from affecting the library. <br /> <br /> Nancy Freedom, 5130 Case Avenue #C-103, indicated she had been a librarian for many <br />years in various libraries across the country. Citizens' concerns about the Patriot Act have raised <br />a groundswell of protest from over 135 municipalities. She is contacting her representatives at <br />all levels. The Constitution says citizens can petition the government with grievances. That <br />does not mean just the Federal government. She urged Council to adopt option 3 in the staff <br />report. Thomas Jefferson said "The field of knowledge is the common property of mankind". <br />She wanted to keep knowledge as free as possible. <br /> <br /> Paulette Salisbury, 6170 Corte Trancas, said that since the tragedy of September 11, there <br />have been many slogans. Some fill us with pride; some chill us. At this meeting we are talking <br />about the Freedom to Read Act and who would ever have thought that would occur. She <br />supported the Library Commission in defense of the Constitution. The Commissioners have <br />taken time to inform themselves and research the issue and be active U.S. citizens. She strongly <br />supported their actions and urged Council to support Option 3. <br /> <br /> Paulette Kenyon, 6842 Adobe Court, presented a quotation from the book "The Middle <br />Mind, Why Americans Don't Think for Themselves". Basically, it claimed most people defer <br />their opinions to others in prominent positions. This is a failure born of lack of imagination. <br />Fortunately, there are those with imagination. She was thankful the Library Commission felt this <br />was matter not to be deferred. She applauded them for taking a stand to protect the citizens and <br />the Constitution and taking the time to inform themselves. She urged Council to honor its <br />citizens and the Commission by supporting the actions of the Commission as set forth in Option <br />3. <br /> <br /> Pat Murray, 4470 Mirador Drive, referred to comments from those who say it is not the <br />business of the Council to take a stand against the Patriot Act because it would not have much <br /> <br />Pleasanton City Council 18 08/05/03 <br />Minutes <br /> <br /> <br />