New Jersey state senator's resolution recalls Chornobyl (05/03/98)

New Jersey state senator's resolution recalls Chornobyl

NEWARK, N.J. - New Jersey State Sen. Ronald L. Rice, who is running for mayor of Newark, N.J. in the May 12 election, introduced a resolution in the New Jersey State Senate that "marks April 26 as the 12th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster."

The resolution commends the tireless efforts that "recommend closing the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Station since it endangers the health and life of the people of Ukraine and surrounding areas and destroys their natural resources by rendering them radioactive ..."

Mr. Rice has established a record of supporting Ukrainian issues, such as Ukrainian independence, the Green World environmental movement in Ukraine and the "Rice amendment" that allows the study of the Ukrainian famine of 1932-1933 and other genocides in New Jersey public schools in addition to the Holocaust studies.

In his current campaign for mayor of Newark, he has also focused his attention on serving the needs of the Ukrainian American community for a number of years by delegating a Ukrainian representative or liaison to attend his staff meetings in order to become aware of current New Jersey legislation and to discuss proposals from Ukrainian Americans in the 28th District. In the past this position was held by George Tarasiuk, Oles Cheren, Odarka Polanskyj and Bozhena Olshaniwsky; at present the liaison is Daria Bekesewycz.

Walter Bodnar, public relations director for the League of Ukrainian Voters (LUV), stated: "Mr. Rice has the will to get things done, such as designating the area encompassing St. John's Ukrainian Catholic Church and Ukrainian Federal Credit Union as 'Ukrainian Plaza,' as well as support resolutions, proclamations, sister-city projects, and a city resolution upholding the $225 million aid package to Ukraine as proposed by President Bill Clinton. He is worthy of LUV's endorsement as mayor of Newark."