The world is a much smaller – and more dangerous – place, noted Vice Mayor Mary Ann Krause.“In terms of whether or not this has a bearing on local governments” is moot in the wake of terrorist attacks and even small cities receiving Homeland Security funding.“It’s very important for us to look toward this as an issue that city, counties and states might be forced to deal with it,” she added. “It’s very important to take a stand particularly because I don’t believe our voices are being heard in Washington. I don’t believe that we can be free while a threat of detonation of nuclear weapons,” remains a grim possibility.Councilman Rick Cook offered his support for the resolution although “if it was not for nuclear weapons we would not be here having this discussion,” but such support for the elimination of nuclear weapons is “needed now…maybe one day we’ll have a free world.”“We were one of the bad guys that used it and that’s one of the best deterrents never to use them again,” noted Councilman John Procter.World Mayors for Peace represents an international network and the council’s adoption of the resolution “gives me the legitimacy I need to speak further on this issue,” Aguirre said.“I know you’ve worked hard on this, your time and your finances and I’m going to support you on this issue,” said Councilman Ray Luna.
Council resolution supports negotiations to ban nuclear weapons
September 08, 2004
Santa Paula City Council
The Santa Paula City Council was thinking globally when they adopted a resolution supporting the commencement of negotiations on the elimination of nuclear weapons as well as support the efforts of the World Conference of Mayors for Peace (WCMP).
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe Santa Paula City Council was thinking globally when they adopted a resolution supporting the commencement of negotiations on the elimination of nuclear weapons as well as support the efforts of the World Conference of Mayors for Peace (WCMP).The council took the action at the Aug. 2 meeting.There’s not much you can do in the aftermath of a nuclear weapon attack or even accidental discharge, said Mayor Gabino Aguirre a member of the WCMP, which seeks to eliminate all such devices.“We don’t live in a cocoon and Santa Paula is subject to all the forces of the world movement of people and power,” he noted. “We have to think about the potential use of nuclear weapons.”Aguirre noted the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II when the two cities were subjected to a nuclear bomb suffering a huge loss of human life.“The survivors are the testament to the folly of using the most ultimate of weapons,” said Aguirre.
