Rice takes the lead in New Jersey to commemorate Chornobyl disaster (03/17/96)

Rice takes the lead in New Jersey to commemorate Chornobyl disaster

by Walter Bodnar

NEWARK, N.J. - Utilizing his dual position as New Jersey state senator and city councilman, Ronald L. Rice will take the lead in New Jersey in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster by sponsoring and presenting resolutions both in Trenton, the state capital and in the city of Newark.

The two ceremonial introductions of the Chornobyl commemorative resolutions will take place at the following locations:

in Trenton, on Thursday, March 21, at 2 p.m. in the New Jersey State Senate Chambers, 125 W. State St., and
in Newark, on Wednesday, April 17, at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, third floor, City Hall, 920 Broad St.

The resolutions state, in part that "the people of Chornobyl, still heavily burdened with the aftereffects of the nuclear explosion, continue to drink radioactive water, eat radioactive food and suffer from diseases caused by radiation, i.e., cancer, leukemia, diminished immunity, birth defects..."

Mr. Rice, a member of the Health Committee in the state Senate, represents a large constituency of Americans of Ukrainian heritage both in the West Ward of Newark and the 28th Congressonal District of New Jersey, which encompasses a part of Newark plus Irvington, Maplewood and South Orange.

In addition to his governmental duties, Mr. Rice has shown a sensitivity to the needs of the Ukrainian American community that he represents, and has willingly taken a personal approach to its desires and aspirations. The 10th anniversey commemoration of the Chornobyl disaster is but one of the many legislative actions that he has introduced.

He also has initiated resolutions supporting the independence of Ukraine, legislation to include studies in the New Jersey State Curriculum Guide of the Ukrainian famine of 1932-1933, and resolutions and statements on Chornobyl during the past 10 years.

Mr. Rice, who has announced his readiness to run for the office of mayor of Newark in order to root out corruption and improve the quality of life in the area for people of all races and creeds, extends his scope beyond the borders of his district.

He was introduced to Ukrainian environmental and health concerns by Americans for Human Rights in Ukraine and the Green World organization in Ukraine. This is reflected in his resolutions that state: "It is both proper and fitting for the members of this House to pause in their deliberations to recognize the tireless efforts of Americans for Human Rights in Ukraine in New Jersey, the Green World in Ukraine and other environmental organizations that recommend closing of the Chornobyl nuclear power station in Ukraine since it endangers the health and life of the people of Ukraine and surrounding areas, and destroys their natural resources by rendering them radioactive."

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