Should New Haven lawmakers know what they’re voting on before they vote? Aldermen (including Dolores Colon, pictured) considered that question at a meeting Wednesday night as they debated whether to divest city pension money from companies involved in the manufacture of nuclear weapons.
The proposal, prepared by the New Haven Peace Commission, came before the Board of Aldermen’s Municipal Services Committee for review.
A month ago, East Rock Alderman Ed Mattison expressed reservations about the Peace Commission’s request. Seated before the committee Wednesday evening, Peace Commission chief Al Marder stressed the importance of the resolution.
“This resolution deals with money,” Marder (in photo) said, “and anything that deals with money has to be serious.” He said that for over 20 years the board has passed a resolution calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons. “I’m proud that my own city has shown this awareness, but it’s time to do something more symbolic,” something similar to the divestment campaign New Haven took part in years ago to protest apartheid in South Africa.
Workers’ pensions would not be endangered, Marder claimed; money would just be reallocated. And to get the ball rolling, he passed out a list of the “Dirty Dozen,” 12 institutions with heavy ties to the nuclear weapon industry.
“I don’t know if we have any money in these corporations,” he said. “We may find out we have no money involved. But let’s say in principle we’re against this. I would love if my city would be the first in the country to agree.”
Alderman Sergio Rodriguez suggested before any action, perhaps the city should see if it even invests in any companies with nuclear weapons ties. Ward 6 Alderwoman Dolores Colon disagreed. She urged to first pass the resolution and then investigate. “What’s the harm? If any pension funds are divested, then they’ll immediately be pulled.”
But all agreed that first the resolution’s language needed some tightening. They asked that the proposal be remodeled after the apartheid divestment resolution. Then a meeting with the comptroller, union leaders, pension fund boards and the Peace Commission could determine where New Haven’s pension funds are being funneled.
Meeting adjourned.
