Cities Can’t Ban Military Recruiters,|U.S. Tells Two Humboldt County Towns

SAN FRANCISCO (CN) - The cities of Arcata and Eureka cannot prohibit military recruiters from talking to those under 18, Uncle Sam says in Federal Court. Voters in Humboldt County gave resounding approval to the measures in the Nov. 4 general election.

Uncle Sam says the cities are violating the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution and can't enforce the laws despite voter approval.

Arcata voters approved that city's Measure F on Nov. 4 and Eureka voters approved Measure J. The measures were identical, except for the name of the city.

They state: "No person who is employed by an agent of the United States government shall, within the City of Arcata [Eureka], in the execution of his or her job duties, recruit, initiate contact with for the purpose of recruiting, or promote the future enlistment of any person under the age of eighteen into any branch of the United States Armed Forces."

Arcata voters approved Measure F by 5,129-1,937 - a 72.6% approval rate.

In Eureka, 56.2% of voters backed Measure J, which carried by 4,850 votes to 3,786.

But Uncle Sam says the Constitution gives the federal government to power to levy troops to defend the nation, so the measures are invalid.

Humboldt County is legendary for its redwoods and counter-culture politics and lifestyle.

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