02/13/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Bob Guldin, 261 North Ash Street, representing Supporters of South African Freedom, addressed the question of what is appropriate for City Council to consider. He noted distribution to Council of earlier City resolutions which showed the Council had considered items outside of City business in previous instances. e Roger Walke, 2450 Potter, described the South African racial discrimi- nation and the use of apartheid. He thought the situation required a response by City Council as apartheid occurs not just in South Africa, but even here. He expressed moral and political outrage, and felt it was the Council's duty in a democratic country to address the issue. He noted it to be a serious violation of human rights. Betty Luginbill, 1236 Kincaid, Wesley Center, noted her awareness of a "one-world" theme. She felt the Council could not avoid this politi- cal and moral responsibility to address this issue. The people are the government, and what the citizens of Eugene say or do will direct elected officials in Washington, D.C. as how to vote. She noted people were getting rich from the sale of the coin, and felt it the City Council's responsibility to take a stand. A request was made for a show of hands for those supporting the oppo- sition to the sale of Krugerrand coin. About 50 people raised their hands. Jean Vignes, 1743 Riverview, presented 1,339 petitions which had been circulated and signed in a two-month period. Roy McGowan, McTavish Lane, reported some months ago he had traveled to find out for himself how much truth had been distributed in the news. He described the ordinary black African as living a very com- fortable life and said opposing the sale of Krugerrand would affect those blacks who are earning a better standard of living by working in the mines. e Res. No. 2828--0pposing racial policies of the Government of South Africa and the sale of the Krugerrand coin was read by number and title. Mr. Bradley moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to adopt the reso- lution. Mr. Obie expressed a great concern regarding the broad scale interests of the Council and where it should be spending its time. He felt it might be important for Council to establish some ground rules and determine the broad interest level and particpation level. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, to table the reso- lution. Motion failed, with all Councilors present voting no, except Williams and Obie voting aye. Mr. Obie said he would vote in support of the resolution; however, he hoped to present some type of ordinance that would clarify the scope of Council's realm of responSibility. Mr. Delay felt the whole ,e 2/13/78--14 98