02/13/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Mar1is Guilford, 1216 River Road, asked Council to oppose the economic boycott because of the unemployment hardships it would cause to people who could not afford it. She felt the boycott would be using force, by way of lost wages, that would hurt many women who might favor the ERA. Marie Bell, 1262 Calvin, noted the Council was a body of elected officials, and expressed the importance she felt of Americans havinq the right to vote freely according to their consciences. She felt it wrong to use an economic boycott to take away persons I livelihoods and force other officials to vote against their con- sciences. She requested Councilors to think of the freedom of the American vote before they cast their ballot that would influ- ence other elected officials to vote for any other reason than their feeling it was the right thing to do. e Doris Storms, 2180 Wood Acres Drive, felt the economic boycott was an attempt to threaten those states who did not agree with Oregon. She felt this an unjust use of power. The proper arena for the ERA was in the various state legislatures. She doubted the citizens of Eugene would wish to interfere with other states' rights. She noted the loss of income and economic hardships on people if the boycott were implemented. She also noted many peripheral issues would multiply from the community if Council would consider this action. She also suggested this would restr~ct officials in the performance of their duty, noting the Council should represent the interests of all the community, not just special interest groups. Lee Crandall, no address given, spoke in favor of the ERA, saying in regard to the opponents addressing the unemployment issue, they should look at the sex discrimination that now exists. She said it may create hardships in the short run, but in the long run, women will have a better system in which to work. Public hearing was closed, there being no further testimony presented. Mr. Delay said he had been studying the concerns that had been addressed this evening and had done some soul-searching himself. He continued to believe there were probable circumstances among staff members to carry out responsibilities and thus making it necessary to attend some meetings. However, he did support the whole notion of the boycott. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the economic boycott regarding ERA would apply only to City elected officials and appointed committee citizens, with City Manager to make every effort to minimize attendance of City staff members' participation to a workable maximum extent. . 2/13/78--9 ~3