After several requests, Senator Heffernan has finally told his constituents why he broke from most of his own party and voted NO on Senate Resolution 13 condemning the “manner and circumstance” of the arrest of Moshen Madawi in Colchester in April. His reason, he said, was that the Resolution “did not go through proper Due Process.” (Addison Independent, 7/24/25).

With all due respect, Senator, senate resolutions are not entitled to “Due Process.” People are. As our constitution states, “No person shall be denied life, liberty or property without due process of law.” On the other hand, bills and resolutions are referred to committees for consideration and recommendations before being sent to the full Senate for a vote.

Senate Resolution 13 was introduced on April 22 by a bipartisan group of 24 senators, including eight of your Republican colleagues. It was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. On April 25, the Judiciary Committee, including its two Republican members, issued a favorable report on the Resolution, and on April 29 the full Senate, including eight Republicans, approved the Resolution. The following day U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ordered Mr. Madawi released from ICE custody.

You claim in your letter that “What troubles me most is when politics interfere with the process.” The legislative process this Resolution followed was sufficient for eight of your Republican colleagues, all of whom voted to approve it. You voted NO. In other words, Senator, it appears that it was you who let “politics interfere with the process.” Your unwillingness to approve this bipartisan Resolution will not be forgotten by the voters of Addison County.

James Dunn

Vergennes