Why A 9/11 Resolution Is Important

To the Editor:

The Independent 9/11 Commission, headed by former Republican Governor of New Jersey Thomas Kean, was created through bipartisan legislation sponsored by Republican Senator John McCain and Democrat Senator Joseph Lieberman. The proposed 9/11 Resolution for Newtown is based on direct input from members of the Family Steering Committee –– the widows and family members who had to lobby relentlessly for the creation of the commission. They are “very appreciative” of our efforts here in Newtown. The 9/11 Resolution is also consistent with the order issued by President Bush directing all agencies to comply with requests from the independent commission.

As the Family Steering Committee (FSC) states, “We should not have had to fight the government” for an independent investigation of the mass murder of 3,000 loved ones. Now, time is slipping away. According to the FSC, “manipulation” and “distortion” of facts by government officials has led to “an erosion of trust.” In the face of official silence, the FSC’s questions just get bigger.

There are political overtones here, but they are not the creation of the FSC. Slade Gordon, a Republican member of the 9/11 Commission, said he was “startled” by the “indifference” of some executive branch agencies in making material available to the commission. “This lack of cooperation, if it extends anywhere else, is going to make it very difficult” for the commission to finish its work by next May, he said (The New York Times, October 24, 2003).

Senator McCain has raised the possibility of needing to extend the commission’s deadline, saying, “If the families of the victims weighed in –– and heavily, as they did before –– then we’d have a chance of succeeding.” However, as the 9/11 Resolution makes clear, the FSC wants the commission to fulfill its entire mandate by the May 2004 deadline. They fought for the creation of the commission. Now will they be expected to fight for an extension? That will bring the final report into a time frame where its release will likely be further delayed, just as the Senate Report was delayed for months.

According to the first selectman’s office, a modest yet growing number of Newtown residents have called the office to express their interest in the adoption of the proposed 9/11 Resolution, which is a statement of support for the Family Steering Committee. Full text is published at www.911resolution.org.

Over 200 town/city councils (and now three states) have passed resolutions that are similar in scope in that they address an issue of both local and national concern –– namely, the Patriot Act. Aides at Representative Chris Shay’s and Senator Joe Lieberman’s office have explicitly stated that such resolutions carry significant influence with legislators. Mr Lieberman’s aide said they carry even more weight than constituents’ letters, since they represent both the views of local leaders and a distillation of the community’s common concern.

The Newtown Legislative Council has the ability to act on this issue, but chooses not to. The council was informed that some ten to 12 people were prepared to attend the next meeting to express support of the resolution, if the item were simply placed on the agenda again. All members declined.

There are two avenues left: the Board of Selectmen, or a town meeting called by the Board of Selectmen. The town attorney has clearly indicated that both options are feasible.

Residents, if you feel sympathy for these 9/11 widows, please pick up your phone right now and dial the first selectman’s office at 270-4201. Your name will not be published. Simply ask that the Board of Selectmen either adopt the resolution in some form or that they call an official town meeting where voters can decide. Given the likely turnout, it would only cost pennies.

They are many ways to simplify the resolution if that will expedite its official adoption.

The Legislative Council says the resolution is beyond its scope. My question is, is it beyond the scope of this town?

James Allen

Main Street, Newtown                                              October 29, 2003