The Colorado Coalition for the Prevention of Nuclear War
Minutes of the January 11, 2011 Board Meeting
www.thecoloradocoalition.org
The meeting was held at the United Church of Christ Conference Center office,
1140 W. 5th Avenue at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Judith Mohling, Patt Rempel, Mary Casper, Wayne Snyder, Barb Moe.
REGRETS: Roslyn Goldfield, Mag and Ken Seaman, “R” Addison, Sr. Francine Schwarzenberger, Bob Kinsey, Donna Springs. Judith called the meeting to order. The agenda was accepted.
MINUTES: The minutes were reviewed and accepted.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Wayne gave the following financial report:
Expenditures: $43.75. Income: $200. Current balances: Checking: $2,622.36. Money Market: $1,147.79. Certificate of Deposit: $2,249.32.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Judith reported that Thursday, January 13, the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center will kick off a six-month series of events entitled: “Rocky Flats: A Call to Guardianship. LeRoy Moore, PhD, will speak on “Rocky Flats: A Local Hazard Forever.” On January 20, Lucy Lippard, artist, art historian, and critic, will discuss “People and Places: Why Ecology Matters.” For locations, times, bios, and schedule changes, check the website: www.rockyflatsnuclearguardianship.org.
OLD AND ONGOING BUSINESS:
Local Activism for a Nuclear Free Colorado: Although the NEW START TREAT was ratified on the federal level, much work still needs to be done locally.
Judith attended a town-hall meeting in Fort Collins recently to which she took the fact sheet and resolutions (updated by Rich Andrews). She spoke personally to four Democratic legislators: Senate President Brandon Shaffer, 303/866-3342; Senator Bob Bacon, 303/866-4841; Representative John Kefalas, 303/8664569; and Representative Randy Fischer, 970/215-7898. Of these, Senator Shaffer and Representativ3e Kefalas seemed most interested.
In addition, she passed out 50 of the sheets to people in attendance who said they wanted a nuclear-free Colorado.
As for Richard’s suggestions on further contacts, Mary Casper suggested starting with U.S. Senators Udall and Bennett (or at least setting up a meeting with a member of their staff). This would support the efforts of other groups (such as Pax Christi) which have also met with congressional members. House members will also need to be contacted. Barb Moe agreed to start the process with Bennett and Udall. Ros Goldfield will be contacted for help with contacting Governor Hickenlooper.
Also, Judith and several members of RMPJC met with Jared Polis in December about plutonium dust in public buildings in the area of Rocky Flats. Subsequently Representative Polis wrote a letter to Dr. Stephen Chu, U.S. Secretary, Department of Energy.
REPORTS:
DC Days–Judith reported that there are six people interested and willing to attend DC Days and the ANA meeting in April. Those in attendance at this evening’s TCC meeting agreed by consensus to give each participant $200 to help defray expenses.
Plowshares Sentencing—Mary Casper reported that sentencing is set for March 28. (There will be an appeal.) Supportive anti-nuclear activities are ongoing by members of the Washington State peace community. For further information check the web site at:
http://disarmnowplowshares.wordpress.com.
Mag and Ken’s Report—In their absence, Mag and Ken sent a written report that says they are in touch with State Representative Wes McKinley (former foreman of the Rocky Flats Grand Jury). They are attempting to set up a meeting with him in the coming week. Anyone interested in joining them would be most welcome.
They have also been in touch with John LaForge at Nukewatch concerning the missile silos. John wants the public to learn about the U.S. arsenal with its ICBMs, Cruise Missiles, and heavy bombers.
Steve Leeper You Tube video—Mary and Judith would like people to know about this video by Steve Leeper, an American in charge of the Hiroshima Museum, which is located in Japan. The Peace Culture Foundation aims to spread the culture of peace. More information is available on the Plowshares website above.
Review of suggestions from the retreat—This will be ongoing, but meanwhile Judith suggested having David Barsamian speak on “permanent war” and/or Pakistan. A possible date would be March 25, 2011. Judith will find out if the Mercury Café would be available on that date.
“The Nuclear Heartland”—At the next meeting, Judith will bring the last remaining copy of that book for Donna.
The next meeting of the Colorado Coalition for the Prevention of Nuclear War will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the United Church of Christ Conference office, 1140 W. 5th Avenue.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Moe, Co-Secretary