Sunday, June 24, 2001
SALT LAKE CITY: Mayor Rocky Anderson — known as a political maverick — Stepped up to the international soapbox Saturday when he challenged President Bush and his Russian counterpart to lead the world in eliminating nuclear weapons.
Home battling stomach flu, Anderson was unable to personally present his resolution, “The Elimination of Nuclear Weapons” to about 500 mayors from around the nation gathered in Detroit.
But Anderson’s resolution was introduced to the U. S. Conference of Mayors, and will be voted on by the group Monday, the same day Bush is scheduled to address the meeting.
The president’s support for an anti-missile defense initiative, designed to protect cities from nuclear attack, was a major issue when Bush held a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month.
“If nuclear weapons are ever used, it is virtually certain that one or more of our cities will be the target . . . We ask the American and Russian presidents to declare their firm commitment to the task of eliminating nuclear weapons from the face of the earth,” reads the resolution, which resembles one recently passed by a group of 94 international mayors.
“This is an important issue for cities globally,” said Josh Ewing, communications director for Anderson. “One of our own local political leaders is making a call for global action.”
About 80 resolutions are passed every year at the mayor’ conference. A statement read to the conference in Anderson’s behalf said: “We must speak out about the need to eliminate nuclear weapons from our world. This is an achievable goal. As mayors, we can help lead the way.”
Anderson’s illness also prevented him from personally accepting an award from his peers recognizing a program designed to make city streets safer for pedestrians.
The mayors’ conference selected Salt Lake City as one of the 10 most livable cities in the country, calling attention to Anderson’s “Reclaiming the Streets” initiative.
The program includes bright orange flags for pedestrians to carry while crossing streets, new signals at heavily traveled downtown crosswalks, and a pace car program designed to slow traffic.
“Rocky was disappointed because he wanted to accept the award in person, [but] it is great to be recognized as a leader in pedestrian safety,” Ewing said. “Salt Lake is a place where you can have a good time walking around.”
kcantera@sltrib.com