News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

September 30, 2002

Jane Harman Listens To South Bay Leaders On Iraq

EL SEGUNDO - Rep. Harman today held a widely attended roundtable discussion with South Bay elected officials and business leaders to listen to their thoughts on what impacts a war with Iraq could have on the South Bay's economy.

During the talks, El Segundo Mayor Mike Gordon commented: "I think we must take action now, and I believe our community as a whole is supportive."

George Torres, Vice President of Communications, Boeing Satellite Systems echoed this sentiment: "From an economic standpoint, Wall Street and business hate uncertainty. Taking action in Iraq at least erases that uncertainty."

Kenneth Trevett, President of the Harbor-UCLA Research and Education Institute, urged caution in initiating a pre-emptive strike, stating: "We need to work with other countries in dealing with Iraq so we don't become isolated and radicalize more moderate nations in the area."

"Our community and our families are at great risk," said El Segundo City Council Member, John Gaines. "I don't want to wait any longer. I would certainly hope we don't spend time debating each other while the bad guys get moving on the development of nuclear weapons."

After listening to their views, Harman stated: "Our country has many balls in the air: winning the war on al Qaeda which may still have terrorist cells in our country; revitalizing our country which has increased levels of unemployment and poverty; achieving stability in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Middle East; and now preventing Saddam Hussein from acquiring nuclear weapons. All of these things need attention and we are at great risk if we only keep one ball in the air."

Chaired by El Segundo Mayor Mike Gordon, Manhattan Beach Mayor Joyce Fahey and Assemblyman George Nakano, the roundtable was one of many opportunities the Congresswoman has had to listen to the wide range of views held by South Bay residents on Iraq. Last week, Harman met with South Bay veterans to hear their views. The Congresswoman has also received hundreds of calls and emails from South Bay residents about the issue and is paying close attention to their concerns.

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