BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Bellingham City Council has approved an alternative to the proposed Bellingham Community Bill of Rights.

The advisory measure would basically measure public opinion on allowing more coal trains to come through the city, but in a way that would not face post-election challenges in court.

The city council this week approved the advisory measure five to two, with council members Cathy Lehman and Terry Bornemann opposed.

Lehman said she would support an advisory vote if it led to more direct action...



The council last month approved a legal challenge of the Community Bill of Rights because it aims to override federal law.

The Whatcom County auditor has certified that the sponsors of the proposition have submitted enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot.

Labor union members crowded Monday's City Council meeting in a show of support for the proposed coal-shipping terminal at Cherry Point.