Olympia council rejects Trump impeachment resolution. They’ll send a letter instead.

A divided Olympia City Council did not pass a measure on Tuesday night asking Congress to investigate President Donald Trump.

Instead, city leaders voted to send letters to Washington’s U.S. senators and representatives, letting them know that Olympia residents have concerns about the president’s actions.

A citizen group called Puget Sound Communities 4 Impeachment brought the resolution to the Olympia City Council. But Mayor Cheryl Selby and three council members said there hadn’t been enough analysis of the allegations made against Trump in the resolution.

Selby said it’s no secret that she disagrees with Trump on most points. She said the council has shown through words and actions that they oppose many of his policies, including by making Olympia a sanctuary city, and by taking climate change seriously.

“It’s not good policy for us to take something like this without a little more consideration,” Selby said.

Councilwoman Jessica Bateman said the council hasn’t heard evidence or testimony supporting the allegations made in the resolution.

“If we’re going to support that, we need to be clear on what we’re supporting and why,” Bateman said.

Councilwomen Julie Hankins, Jeannine Roe and Bateman voted with Selby to send the letter. Mayor Pro-Tempore Nathaniel Jones, along with Councilmen Clark Gilman and Jim Cooper, voted in favor of the resolution.

Jones said he doesn’t believe that Trump’s views and actions are aligned with the values held by Olympia residents. In addition, there’s growing evidence that Trump has violated the law, and it’s necessary for Olympia’s governing body to take action.

Jones said the proposed resolution didn’t ask that Trump to be removed from office. It just asked for an investigation.

The council made its decision before a packed audience, and several asked the city council to pass the resolution.

Marc Jones of Olympia said the request to investigate Trump was not based on his politics. It was based on his actions regarding his business dealings ― specifically, his refusal to disclose financial information and his continuing management of his businesses.

“I believe the situation is not just illegal, I believe it is dangerous,” Marc Jones said.

A similar resolution has been passed in 14 other U.S. cities, most in California, according to Puget Sound Communities 4 Impeachment.

The East Bay Times reported on March 29 that the Berkeley City Council unanimously passed legislation asking Congress to investigate Trump. The Los Angeles Times reported on May 5 that the Los Angeles City Council also passed an impeachment-related resolution.

This story was originally published July 11, 2017 at 8:12 PM with the headline "Olympia council rejects Trump impeachment resolution. They’ll send a letter instead.."