In Yokosuka, request for referendum on deployment of U.S. nuclear-powered carrier submitted

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In Yokosuka, request for referendum on deployment of U.S. nuclear-powered carrier submitted

In Yokosuka City, a local residents' group on January 17 submitted to Mayor Kabaya Ryoichi 37,858 signatures (about 10 percent of eligible voters in the city) bearing a request for an ordinance to hold a referendum on the planned deployment of a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to the city.

The mayor will call an extraordinary session of the city assembly on February 5 and submit a proposed ordinance with his written statement. He said that in submitting the bill he will express his view that the deployment of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is an issue to be discussed between nations and that a referendum would not be a proper way to deal with it.

At a press conference, Goto Masahiko, a lawyer who represents the Association for the Success of the Referendum on the Homeporting of a Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier, criticized Mayor Kabaya by saying, "His idea that base issues are to be dealt with exclusively by the national government goes against the constitutional right to local autonomy."

Another representative stressed that the mayor must fulfill his election campaign promise that he will oppose the deployment of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and that the city assembly, which twice adopted resolutions calling for a cancellation of the planned deployment, also should respect them.

The association is planning street campaigns, rallies, and meetings with assembly members for the enactment of the ordinance.
- Akahata, January 18, 2007