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<br />02/07/2017 MINUTES 8 <br /> <br /> <br />CITIZEN COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS <br /> <br />Lee Bates suggested additional language to add to a previous <br />Proclamation approved by the Board relating to making Kittitas County a <br />safe place, free of discrimination and hatred of any kind. He suggested <br />adding “by rejecting the politics of division and isolation that fan <br />anger and hate against any person or group”. He asked the Board to draft <br />a letter opposing President Trump’s recent Executive Order relating to a <br />travel ban on immigrants. <br /> <br />Lee Kaspari supported Mr. Bates proposal. <br /> <br />Ruthie Erdman, CWU Professor, expressed her concerns for students at <br />Central Washington University relating to the recent Executive Order <br />from President Trump. She was opposed to the anti-refugee ban and felt <br />it did not help America. <br /> <br />Sherri Fujita, Director of Central Washington University ESL Program, <br />said she was concerned for their International students who have been <br />frightened by the recent Executive Order. She said CWU has an open door <br />program to students, which generates over 17 million dollars annually <br />and supports over 300 jobs. They have had students say they are leaving <br />and some who claim they are no longer coming to the University. She <br />encouraged the Board of Commissioners to send a message that all are <br />welcome in our community. <br /> <br />Josh Humphrey, Central Washington University Art Department, supported <br />Mr. Bates proposal. He explained how Washington State has filed suit <br />against the President for the immigration ban and there are many <br />corporations in Washington who rely on the openness to others. The <br />immigration ban will have a large effect on the economy. He has heard <br />of international students who are afraid of going home because they may <br />not be able to come back to the United States. He encouraged the Board <br />of Commissioners to unite and stand behind the suit against President <br />Trump and his Executive Order. <br /> <br />Janice Jump explained how the Secretary of Defense graduated from <br />Central Washington University in 1967 with a degree in history. She said <br />he has common sense and is a well-respected 4 Star General. She <br />expressed her support and felt he would take care of the United States. <br /> <br />Matt Fairbanks, Executive Director Dispute Resolution Center of Yakima <br />and Kittitas Counties, noted he would be soon retiring and introduced <br />Sarah Augustine as their new Executive Director. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />