A Resolution Concerning 9/11

To the Editor:

A petition is being circulated to place a local 9/11 Resolution on the agenda of the Legislative Council in October. The text of the Resolution is as follows:

“The Town of Newtown, in support of the Family Steering Committee For the Independent 9/11 Commission, calls for improvements and guarantees in the proceedings and performance of the Independent 9/11 Commission, also known as the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, so as to provide for the following:

“1. Official placement on the Commission’s Agenda of all questions as selected by the Family Steering Committee and which have been filed in part with the Town Clerk as Addendum A to this Resolution,

“2. Completion of the Commission’s entire mandate within the established time frame, which ends in May, 2004,

“3. Testimony by key decision-makers,

“4. Continued funding as needed,

“5. All testimony under oath,

“6. All proceedings in an open, public, transparent manner,

“7. A prohibition of the practice of government employees being accompanied by minders when called upon to give testimony,

“8. Inclusion of a detailed 9/11 timeline specific to the day of the attacks as part of the final report,

“9. Specific conclusions regarding accountability of individuals, agencies, and departments,

“10. A legal limit of 30 days for the White House to review and release the Commission’s Report, and

“11. Specific acknowledgement in the final report or a follow-up report of all such questions still deemed insufficiently answered by the Family Steering Committee at that time.

“In adopting this Resolution, the Town of Newtown calls on Representative Nancy Johnson, Senator Chris Dodd, Senator Joseph Lieberman, and Representative Chris Shays to work diligently towards legislation requiring the measures described herein, measures that directly support the concerns of 9/11 widows and family members whose tireless efforts created the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. The Town of Newtown also calls on all members of Senate and House Intelligence Committees to strictly review the appropriateness of any redactions in the final report that may occur through the exercise of executive privilege. The Town of Newtown further calls on other towns and cities to pass similar Resolutions, to help ensure that these important and legitimate questions assume their proper place in our national dialogue.”

Eighty signatures are required to place this resolution on the council’s agenda. Any resident interested in signing may call 270-9659. There will also be a meeting on this issue on Wednesday, October 8, at 2 pm, at the Newtown Meeting House. The Meeting House is located at the intersection of Main Street and Church Hill Road, adjacent to the flagpole. The public is encouraged to attend to learn more and sign the petition if they wish. For more information on the Family Steering Committee, see: www.911independentcommission.org.

Thank you,

James Allen

Main Street, Newtown                                          September 30, 2003