pages: CityCouncil/2007-08-21.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2007-08-21 | 8 | Vice Mayor Tam stated that she supports the resolution. the Council has a responsibility to speak on behalf of the community; Alameda should add its voice to the chorus of the nation by asking federal leaders to bring back federal dollars being spent on the war, bring back precious resources in Iraq, and provide the best possible care to veterans upon their return. Vice Mayor Tam moved adoption of the resolution. Councilmember Matarrese seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Matarrese stated that the resolution does not just address the situation with the National Guard leaving the City vulnerable in case of a disaster the resolution also addresses the issue of the economic hardship that the entire country will face as the bill comes due; federal funds are tax dollars; the war is the wrong war at the wrong time the war is costing Alameda directly; he does not want to look back in ten to twenty years and say that Alameda sat and did nothing; he has heard that Alameda will become a City like Berkeley Council passed a resolution in 2003 to urge a diplomatic approach to resolving the issue in Iraq before the country went to war; Alameda did not turn into Berkeley the resolution would carry more weight than Berkeley with the congressional delegation; read a portion of the resolution. Councilmember deHaan stated that the first year of the Iraq War had the feeling of the Vietnam War the voters made a loud statement to elected officials last year; Congress has changed; critical parts have been added to the current resolution; Vietnam War veterans were treated tragically; Alameda could have an opportunity to provide former Coast Guard housing to returning veterans and their families; he hopes the Hospital Board and Board of Education step forward; withdrawal has a draw down period which takes a while; steps need to be taken to move forward. Mayor Johnson stated that now is the time for Alameda to weigh in on the issue; the soldiers are from Alameda's community; the money comes from Alameda taxpayers for the war; Alameda has a responsibility to express its position on the war; the resolution is very well stated; government needs to step up and support the troops and returning veterans; she supports the resolution. Councilmember Gilmore stated that the war affects Alameda; one of the country's proudest traditions is the right to speak out against what government is doing from a grassroots position; supporting the resolution will send a message to people in power that it is time Regular Meeting 8 Alameda City Council August 21, 2007 | CityCouncil/2007-08-21.pdf |