04/26/1971 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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5G3 e 4/26/71 'I I: If ii ,I .' , President on these issues they should write their views. The impact would be much greater than a referendum. :1 ii I The second question pertains to the role of the city of Eugene in expressing this type activity. The Council generally refers questions to the voter pertaining to the Charter and amendments thereto. He felt in this instance, referral of the measure would be improper because there is no question before the voters which the city of Eugene has to decide via this vehicle. Secondly, opinions could be expressed more effectively and more accurately and with the same impact on national policy by letter, rather than by this vehicle. Thirdly, the electoral process should not be made into a vehicle for decision making. If this should be placed on the ballot, it should be done through the initiative process, rather than by action of till Council. Mrs. Beal said this expression of oplnlon went far beyond the gallop poll and writing of letters. The people should have an opportunity to express themselves. Mr. Mohr felt Mr. Williams had narrowed the Council role too finely. The Council has passed many resolutions which went beyond representative opinion, and this was its responsibility where there were no other avenues open to the people. e Mr. Hershner agreed with Mrs. Beal concerning the gravity of this issue. He asked what the cost would be of a referendum if handled separately, or with another election. Manager said an election costs about $3,000 or $4,000, and that if this was included on the budget election ballot, it would not increase the cost of that election. I Mrs. Campbell said in view of the fact that major cities in the United States are spending such large amounts on the war that some are facing bankruptcy, it would be practical to pay attention. She would like the Council to take leadership and respond to the people and place the matter on the ballot with the budget. Mrs. Beal moved seconded by Mr. Mohr to place on the ballot at the coming election the Resolution of the Spring Action Coordinating Committee to end the war in Indochina. Res. 1922_;- Requesting President Nixon to begin immediately total withdrawal of military forces and material from S.E.Asia and to complete such total withdrawal no later than December 31, 1971. , ': Councilman Teague said he was sympathetic with the .objecti ve, but he felt it was the wrong thing for the Council to do. The referendum should come directly from the people and the Council could certify it. This would express the will of the people. Mrs. Campbell felt the Council should show its leadership. Mr. Hershner explained that it was his feeling the Council would not be setting a precedent. He voted on each individual thing as it 'came before him, and he did not feel he was binding himself to refer to the people every national issue brought before the Council. Mayor Anderson said the matter of policy had been brought up and he thought this was certainly a valid argument. However, it was his feeling the overriding implications of the issue were one in which the City was deeply involved. He said twenty-four Mayor's from the nations largest cities had gone before Congress asking that the war be stopped with a dead- line. The Country needs to set some priorities and the war is just as much a priority as are urban problems. The p.~ople must directly or indirectly decide. The Council has indicated its beliefs on ballistic missiles, supersonic transports and many others. Mayor Anderson supported this referendum and thought it was a proper one for the City to pursue. I Vote was taken on the motion .to adopt the resolution. Motion carried with Mr. Hershner, Mrs. Beal, Mr. Moh~ and Mrs. Campbell voting aye and Mr. Teague, Mr. McDonald and Mr. Williams: voting no. tit B. Resolution requesting City Council to urge Congressman Dellenback to take ,an active part in bringing an immediate end to the war, and urging him to cast an affirmative vote on the Vietnam Disengagement Act of 1971.- Mrs. Hanning explained the resolution and said members of the Spring Action Coordinating Committee would speak to the issue. Ted Goertzel said this resolution made one demand - that our forces be withdrawn from Vietnam by a specific date. He felt it was important to vote on specific means for ending the war and setting a specific date for withdrawing American troups. The members of the Council owe it to the people to let them see how they stand on this issue. Heffrey Freed, 2815 Pearl, said the City Council is obligated to prov~de leadership. I Mr. Allen Fry, 1010 North "A", Springfield, said he was a combat veteran, and felt the nation should get out immediately, and not wait for political expediency. John Dorham, student, felt leadership in the community should say something about this to Mr. Dellenback. Steve Hanning, 1371 West ment if the City Council the vote of the people. being killed in Vietnam. 4th, said the City Manager had suggested it might lead to embarrass- took a position which turned out to be different from that shown by He felt the people were caused more than embarrassment by the numbers e ~ 4/26/71 - 2