Yokosuka signatures more than 5 times minimum requirement to call for referendum on U.S. nuclear-powered carrier homeporting

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Yokosuka signatures more than 5 times minimum requirement to call for referendum on U.S. nuclear-powered carrier homeporting

The Election Administration Commission of Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture on January 12 announced that the total number of valid signatures calling for the enactment of an ordinance to hold a referendum on the planned deployment of a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to the city was 37,858 or 5.3 times more than the minimum number required.

The signatures were collected by the Association for the Success of the Referendum on the Homeporting of a Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier. The extraordinary session of the Yokosuka City Assembly to discuss the proposed city ordinance is expected to be held in February.

The association on the same day issued a statement, stating, "Many Yokosuka residents have expressed deep concern over the planned deployment of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and its safety." Stressing that the number of the signatures reflects residents' strong support for the call on the city to take their opinion, the statement strongly urged the city assembly to legislate an ordinance to conduct the referendum.
- Akahata, January 13, 2007