Torricelli meets with Ukrainian Americans (10/27/96)

Torricelli meets with Ukrainian Americans

by Walter Bodnar

EAST HANOVER, N.J. - For the second time in a month, Congressman Robert G. Torricelli, Democratic Party candidate for the U.S. Senate, met with members of the Ukrainian American community. More than 150 people attended a Torricelli community outreach meeting on Monday, October 14, here at the Ramada Hotel.

An earlier meeting with leaders of the Ukrainian American organizations in New Jersey had taken place on September 14 at the home of Lubodar and Zenia Olesnycky in Florham Park, N.J.

Among the guests were Ambassador Anatoliy Zlenko, permanent representative of Ukraine to the United Nations, and Volodymyr Yavorivsky, chairman of the Democratic Party of Ukraine and a national deputy in the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada.

Mr. Yavorivsky greeted Congressman Torricelli on behalf "fellow Democrats" in Ukraine. The Ukrainian member of Parliament said he was in America "to observe the elections up-front and the democratic process in action."

A subcommittee chairman on the House International Relations Committee and a member of the Select Intelligence Committee, Rep. Torricelli strongly emphasized the need for support for Ukraine as the country undergoes complex economic reform. According to Mr. Torricelli, economic prosperity will serve as a bulwark for democracy in Ukraine and an independent and democratic Ukraine is essential for both regional and world stability.

The public meeting was sponsored by the Ukrainian American Democratic Association Clinton/Gore '96. The committee was recently formed to support the Democratic ticket of Bill Clinton and Al Gore, plus Mr. Torricelli as senator.

Elected were the following: Helen Cheloc, chairperson; Andrew Kyzyk and Bozhena Olshaniwsky, vice-chairs; Natalie Kosonocky, secretary; Roman Pyndus, treasurer; Walter Bodnar, press relations; Walter Bilyk, John Chomko, Alexander Kozak and Steve Smotrycz, members-at-large; and Joseph Lesawyer and Michael Matiash, honorary chairman.

Ms. Cheloc stated that "it is gratifying to see the coming together of individuals of varied backgrounds and ages united for a common cause." She added that "the realities of today require enthusiastic support for the Clinton/Gore ticket as we have had for retiring Sen. Bill Bradley and for Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who have given yeoman service to programs which benefited both the U.S. and Ukraine. In order to make a difference, we must make our voices heard."

The Democratic National Committee has paid quite a bit of attention to the Ukrainian vote. This year the ethnic council met numerous times in New Brunswick, N.J., to plan strategy and activities to elect Democratic candidates. Anna Krawczuk, Mrs. Olshaniwsky, Maria Polanskyj and Mr. Bodnar attended these meetings.

At one of the meetings of the Ukrainian American Democratic Association, Peter Eagler, former head of the N.J. Garden State Arts Center ethnic festivals and presently a councilman in Clifton, N.J., thanked all for their support in his campaign to win a freeholder's seat in Passaic County and reminded all Ukrainians to get involved in the political process.

"Ukrainian Democrats in New Jersey," said Ms. Cheloc, "have tried to present the issues clearly and have encouraged citizens to vote on November 5. Our involvement shows political acumen and maturity. We have finally arrived at a point where we can make a difference."

Rep. Torricelli and his staff expressed their gratitude for the opportunities to meet with members of the Ukrainian American community. The congressman said he was honored by the warm reception he was given.