Capital District Interfaith Alliance
Interfaith Alliance of New York State



Capital District Chapter TIANYS Meeting Report
February 9, 2004


Members present: Joe Norton, Bernard Fleishman, Lou Ismay, Anne Marfey, Jim Miller, Deb Riitano, Pat Beetle, Joe Seeman, Gene Rowland, John Amidon, Ed Bloch, Liz Pearson, Jean Cowan, Al Siegel, Wendy Van Orden, Florence Skiff.

The meeting was called to order by B. Fleishman. Invocation was given by Rev. Al Siegel. The minutes of Jan. 12 were approved.

Treasurers Report: Gene R. reported that the balance was $3525. Dues for 2004 are coming in.

Agenda was approved with several additions.

Reports:

Electoral/Campaign Reform: No report. Joe Seeman said there are a number of campaigns for voter registration with many volunteer opportunities. Do we want to do something?

Violence Committee: An Anger Management program for youth is planned starting in April, if they get takers. A new adult series starts March 1.

SOA - Trials for demonstrators resulted in prison terms up to 6 months, and fines.

Pat Beetle reported upcoming events:

Feb. 15th, 5-6 pm Candle light Vigils: Wolf Rd. and Central ave., Colonie, Broadway and Church sts Saratoga Springs, 4 corners in Delmar, and Chatham.

March 19th 4:30 pm Rally FBI Building on McCarty Ave. Stop the attack on civil liberties and end spying on the peace movement.

March 20th, March on NYC as millions march for peace around the world on the anniversary of the Illegal Invasion of Iraq.

Motion was made to endorse events on the 15th and 20th, passed with one abstention.

Motion to endorse March 19th rally. Carried.

There will be a press release. Campus action is organizing the trip to NYC. Buses from the Capital region, call:518-463-5907, 439-1968, www.campusaction.net, www.unitedforpeace.org. or www.internationalanswer.org. Motion to donate $50 for scholarships for the bus trip was made by Wendy Van Orden, seconded by Pat B., passed.

Pat said the prison term for Kathy Kelly was unwarranted (charged with trespassing SOA) John and Pat will compose a letter in response.

Criminal Justice Committee: Lou is retiring as chairman, Joyce Hartwell will be the new chairperson. They would like to change the name of the committee. Jobs and criminal justice are related. Criminal and Economic Justice was suggested. Much of the activity will be joint with ARISE and aimed at Rockefeller Drug Laws.

SFE/AQE Gov. Pataki in his state of the State speech spoke of it applying to poor communities across the state, not just NYC. However, he wants to get the money by having slot machines everywhere. CFE proposed a 'down payment' of 2 Billion this year since getting the full amount so soon is impossible. Fiscal Policy Inst. proposes a small increase in taxes for wealthy people (those who are getting the Fed. rebate) and by closing corporate loop holes. John A. pointed out that we need to address the issue of militarism if we are to make any real progress.

Possible actions: we could construct a mailing list and furnish information. Gene proposed a Speakers Bureau - a list of people willing to speak on particular topics.

Report on situation in Berne. The Buddhists wish to build a Conference center and retreat with training center for care givers of terminally ill. Objections have come from a conservative preacher who feels residents' souls would be at risk. Other pastors and congregations are supportive of the Buddhists. Wendy suggested that we write a letter to these churches expressing our support. Lou and Bernie will compose a letter.

TIA National meeting. Ed. B. said there has been some restructuring on the National TIA to include national and international issues. Ed and Shirley Byers plan to attend the meeting.

Motion was made to provide $200 to support Ed and Shirley to go to the Chicago meeting. Motion passed.

There was discussion of the recent charges made against Bishop Hubbard. Those who have worked with him for many years and know him well, hold him in high esteem. Deb Riitano supplied purple ribbons for people to wear as a sign of support.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:45 am.

Respectfully submiltted,
Florence Skiff

The next Executive Committee Meeting will be Monday, February 23rd, 9:00 am at Friendlys, Rte 7. The next General Meeting will be Monday March 8, 2004, at 9:00 am at Latham Community Baptist Church.



Web space is generously provided by GeoCities.
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1