03-10-03 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING _ MARCH 10, 2003 without taking an official position on the war but noting the profound impact that the war is going to have in our community. She asked that the Council consider this matter. Mr. Peter Smith, 1036 North Niles Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, asked that the Council put on their agenda the Resolution on the war in Iraq which they received several weeks ago. He noted that they have collected over four hundred thirty (430) signatures which he presented to the Council. He also noted that over one hundred thirty (130) U.S. cities have passed similar Resolutions including Chicago, Gary, Bloomington and Kalamazoo in Michigan. It is their opinion that the war is unnecessary and there are alternative ways of disarming Iraq. Mr. Smith stated that his main point is that South Bend and the State of Indiana cannot afford this war. Mr. Smith cited costs of the war which could be utilized for other purposes and read a couple of passages from the proposed Resolution. Ms. Anne Hayner, 754 Leland, South Bend, Indiana, noted that she is worried about the future of her children and the Council supporting the Cities for Peace is the least of the things that the Council can do. She noted that the Council represents their voice in a way that can't be heard otherwise. She advised that this is a huge concern and that going to war with Iraq will make everyone much less secure. The likelihood of terrorism attacks in the future will increase if the United States attacks Iraq. Ms. Hayner stated that everyone has a moral obligation to take a position here and she is astonished that the Council would not take a stand on this moral issue. Ms. Sheila Provencher, 507 Parkovash Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, noted that she came to speak tonight because she traveled in Iraq for two (2) weeks in December as a member of Iraq Peace Journey a group of US catholic leaders. Religious officials told them that when they returned to their communities to first ask the people to pray for them and then tell them what they saw while they were there. Ms. Provencher shared images of what she saw in Iraq. She noted that the people there are afraid of their government but right now they are more frightened of a US attack. She noted that her hope is that in whatever way everyone can that they make some sort of stand and the City Council make some kind of formal stand and do what they can out of concern for the citizens of South Bend and concern for the citizens of the world. Ms. Lois Clark, 6417 Cedar Trail, South Bend, Indiana, explained that people are asking why our country is doing this. Ms. Clark said in lieu of her speaking she would like the Council to listen to a song by Ed Ames entitled "Who Will Answer." Ms. Clark handed out to the members of the Council a small picture of individuals with the caption "Who backs an Iraq attack ?" while the song played. Mr. John Swanson, 1321 West Washington Street, South Bend, Indiana, informed the Council that he said he would not miss a Council meeting but he was not present at the last meeting because he was involved in a car accident and the car was being repaired. In regard to the war, he noted that he is a ten (10) year disabled veteran and does not believe any war is just, especially a pre - empted strike. He asked that the Council take into consideration what the other individuals that have spoken have said. Ms. Martha Carroll, 53200 Twyckenham, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she would like to add her voice of support. As a pastor this issue is something that the members of the congregation are talking about a lot and this is a wonderful opportunity for the community to have a voice and to take