Public Meeting Summary

(1:08:09) Councilmember Steve Moss introduced Patrick Henry, professor at Whitman College.

Henry recently requested the council’s consideration of a resolution to support the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). This topic had been discussed in a workshop in early February, and Henry emphasized the timeliness of the resolution as it aligns with Marshall Islands Nuclear Remembrance Week, a multi-day event to remember victims of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands, the subsequent impact on the community, and to emphasize nuclear justice concerns. He also noted an article in the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin about Marshall Islands residents affected by nuclear testing there, underscoring the ongoing relevance of nuclear issues. Henry has a long-standing presence in Walla Walla and in academic circles. He taught in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature at Whitman College for 30 years, publishing multiple books, including works on the Holocaust. Over the past decade, he has contributed articles to various religious journals and newspapers. He is deeply involved in the community as a board member of organizations like the Blue Mountain Chapter of the American Red Cross, Friends of Children of Walla Walla, Rising Sun’s Friendship House, and the Walla Walla Immigrants Rights Coalition. Additionally, he has served as a tutor for adult literacy programs. Until the COVID-19 pandemic, he also participated in the “Road to Recovery” program, providing transportation for cancer patients to chemotherapy appointments. Henry’s extensive community engagement reflects a strong commitment to social activism and support for vulnerable populations.

Accompanied by a PowerPoint, Henry began by introducing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) to contextualize the resolution that he wrote. He emphasized that under international law, nuclear weapons are now classified as illegal. Adopted in 2017 by 122 nations, the TPNW has since been ratified by 54 countries, representing over one billion people. Henry described the treaty as the most consequential nuclear disarmament action in decades, calling it a critical “wake-up call” to address the catastrophic human and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons.

Henry highlighted the current precarious global situation and listed nuclear-armed countries, NATO members, and allied umbrella nations that have chosen to ignore the treaty. He explained the motivation behind countries joining the TPNW, noting that cities are primary targets in nuclear conflicts, thus underscoring the urgency for local governments to act. He expressed hope that Walla Walla would become the 41st city in the U.S. and the first in Washington State to endorse the TPNW.

Drawing parallels to earlier international treaties prohibiting the use of landmines and biological and chemical weapons, Henry noted that even nations that do not sign such treaties still feel their impact. Declaring nuclear weapons illegal creates a stigma, which has led to divestment from nuclear arms. For example, some banks and pension funds, including those in the Netherlands and companies like General Electric, have stopped investing in nuclear weapons. Henry highlighted recent polls showing that 66% of Americans across political parties believe no country should possess nuclear weapons. In U.S. nuclear host nations like Spain, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany, between 77% and 89% of citizens oppose nuclear weapons stationed in their countries.

(1:14:53) Henry discussed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which was created in 1970 by the five recognized nuclear powers at the time to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Article 6 of the treaty calls for a cessation of the arms race and progress toward nuclear disarmament. However, Henry highlighted two significant shortcomings of the NPT: it failed to prevent additional countries from developing nuclear weapons, and it did not lead to active disarmament negotiations. Instead, nuclear states have continued to build up and modernize their arsenals. Henry stressed that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) should not be viewed as conflicting with the NPT, but rather as a complementary measure that reinforces the global desire for disarmament. The TPNW reflects the aspirations of non-nuclear nations and underscores the shared objective of a nuclear-free world. According to Henry, both treaties are compatible and mutually supportive, with the TPNW playing an essential role in moving closer to the common goal of nuclear disarmament.

(1:16:40) The third slide outlined the urgent need for action, noting that none of the current nuclear powers are actively pursuing disarmament. Instead, they are modernizing and expanding their nuclear arsenals. For example, the United States, Russia, China, North Korea, and Israel all continue to upgrade their nuclear capabilities, with recent imagery showing ongoing activity at Israel’s nuclear facilities. Just days prior to the City Council meeting, on March 16th, 2021 the United Kingdom announced a 40% increase in its nuclear stockpile in its Integrated Review. In 2019 alone, the nine nuclear-armed nations collectively spent $73 billion on weapons of mass destruction, with the U.S. responsible for half of that amount. The U.S. is also undertaking a $1.7 trillion project to modernize its arsenal, which would include a new class of submarines equipped with low-yield Trident warheads. These warheads have approximately one-third the explosive power of the Hiroshima bomb, making them more “usable” in a conflict and effectively lowering the threshold for nuclear war.

Henry warned against fostering a mentality with which we perceive nuclear war as something winnable. He emphasized the need for collaboration between climate and nuclear activists, arguing that both threats are interconnected and require united advocacy efforts.

(1:18:48) Henry began to conclude his presentation by reading key points from the proposed resolution, underscoring the urgent need for nuclear disarmament with the following points:

• The potential for a nuclear winter could result in no harvests for up to ten years in parts of the Northern Hemisphere, affecting billions of lives.
• Nuclear testing and uranium mining have historically caused disproportionate harm, particularly to marginalized communities. Examples include 67 nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands, the atomic bombings in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, and the contamination at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington State affecting indigenous communities.
• The Midnite Mine, located on the Spokane Tribe of Indians Reservation, operated from 1968 to 1981, producing uranium just 171 miles from Walla Walla. The environmental and health effects of these operations have continued for decades.
• Hanford Nuclear Reservation: Only 66 miles from Hanford is the site that produced the plutonium used in the Nagasaki bombing, which killed 80,000 people on August 9, 1945. Hanford is now one of the most toxic regions in the hemisphere, impacting sacred sites, villages, fishing waters, and Downwinder communities 
• Washington State’s Nuclear Presence: If Washington State were a country, it would be the third-largest nuclear power globally after Russia and the U.S., due to the nuclear assets at Kitsap Bangor Naval Base, just 18 miles from Seattle. This base places the region at high risk as a strategic target.

Henry continued by sharing two quotes that he believes apply to this resolution and the issues of nuclear disarmament:

“I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds.”

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Henry then quoted Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins:

“I really believe that if the political leaders of the world could see their planet from a distance of 100,000 miles their outlook could be fundamentally changed. That all-important border would be invisible, that noisy argument silenced. The tiny globe would continue to turn, serenely ignoring its subdivisions, presenting a unified facade that would cry out for unified understanding. The earth must become as it appears: blue and white, not capitalist or Communist; blue and white, not rich or poor; blue and white, not envious or envied.”

Henry went on to say:

“During the past year we have learned the truth of MLK, of the ‘inescapable network of mutuality and the single garment of destiny.’ We have learned truth of Michael Collin’s idea that we have the same address on this planet, we have been in quarantine the past 12 months not because we cannot live with one another, but because we can not live without one another.”

-Patrick Henry

Henry argued that continuing to spend billions on weapons capable of destroying millions of lives is sheer madness. He called on Walla Walla to join the 40 other U.S. cities—and over 200 cities worldwide—in supporting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), underscoring the city’s opportunity to take a meaningful stance toward global peace and security.

Public Comment

(1:25:00) Sharon Schiller, a Walla Walla resident, expressed her gratitude for having someone as qualified as Patrick Henry leading the call for the city to join the movement to make nuclear weapons illegal, similar to biological and chemical weapons. She conveyed that, beyond the compelling presentation, she has long been troubled by the threat of nuclear annihilation. As a child, she feared this possibility, and now, as an adult, she finds it even more troubling that the existence of “lower-grade” nuclear weapons, like the Trident warhead, seems to be viewed as less dangerous. Schiller strongly urged the council to vote in favor of the resolution, on behalf of the people of Walla Walla, emphasizing the importance of taking a stand against the continued development of nuclear weapons. She warned against the unchecked war powers historically granted to U.S. presidents, which she sees as undemocratic and rooted in fear. While these powers are claimed to be used in the “best interest” of the country, Schiller argued that such decisions, even when bound by law, are often made without sufficient democratic input. She concluded by asserting that democracy requires rational thought and patience, qualities that autocratic rule does not require.

(1:28:09) Walla Walla resident Mr. McFarland began by expressing gratitude to Henry for his work that evening, particularly highlighting the striking point that if Washington State were a country, it would rank as the third-largest nuclear power in the world.

McFarland shared a personal reflection from his childhood during the Cold War. Growing up attending grade school at Sharpstein Elementary in Walla Walla, he vividly remembered his grandfather cooking breakfast and reading the Portland Oregonian, where he saw an article on the front page about the Tri-Cities and Hanford. Though he didn’t fully grasp the broader implications at the time, McFarland recalled seeing that nuclear bomb threats were directed at the Tri-Cities, a place that was very much toxic and actively developing nuclear weapons in those days. He was only 10 years old and did not yet understand the Cold War, but he knew that Walla Walla was too close to the “bullseye,” and that felt dangerous. McFarland also recalled the “duck and cover” drills at school, including an incident where his cousin passed out. He described how his grandfather, out of concern, converted their basement into a bomb shelter on Parkes Street, complete with a “chemical toilet,”  a feature McFarland didn’t understand at the time but remembers now as a poignant reminder of the fear that shaped his childhood. The chemical toilet, now stored in his warehouse as a relic, serves as a lasting memory of the anxiety he felt as a child. He concluded by expressing his full support for Henry and the cause, saluting his efforts in advocating for nuclear disarmament.

(1:31:30) Richard Middleton-Kaplan shared three points in support of the resolution. First, he emphasized that the resolution’s wording contains nothing controversial or problematic. He quoted the city’s statement, expressing concern for residents’ safety and the desire to live in a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons. Middleton-Kaplan argued that if the community shares this belief, supporting the treaty should be simple, straightforward, and non-controversial. Second, Middleton-Kaplan highlighted the widespread support the treaty has received. He noted that eight members of the U.S. Congress, including t, have endorsed it. In addition, four Native American nations and cities such as Chicago, New York City, Oakland, Reno, and smaller cities like Eugene, Hood River County, Boulder, Iowa City, and Missoula have also expressed their support. Middleton-Kaplan suggested that Walla Walla should join this growing list of supporters. Finally, Middleton-Kaplan stressed the importance of showing that support for nuclear disarmament is not limited to large metropolitan areas or liberal strongholds. He argued that the government must recognize that even rural communities like Walla Walla, with diverse opinions, can come together in unison to advocate for nuclear disarmament. This broad support would further strengthen the movement’s message.

(1:35:00) Councilmember Steve Moss shared his personal reflections, noting that he, like Mr. McFarland, grew up in Eastern Oregon and recognized the proximity to Hanford. He recalled the intense fear of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, thinking that those might be his final days. Moss acknowledged that while he doesn’t believe their community’s voice alone will immediately change things, there is strength in numbers. He emphasized the need to imagine a nuclear bomb-free world—one where resources are dedicated to essential services like police, fire, ambulance, clean water, and safe streets. He stated that the city was not asking for money, just for their voice to be heard. He reminded the council that nuclear bombs exist for one purpose: to obliterate human beings. This threat, he said, remains ever-present and is a clear danger. Moss concluded by stressing that it is the responsibility of the city council to prevent such a catastrophe and to protect its citizens, asserting that their voice on this matter is important.

(1:37:04) Councilmember Myron Huie expressed a concern, agreeing that nuclear proliferation is undesirable, but warning that making this issue a council agenda item could lead to distractions from local issues. He feared that the conversation would shift their focus to broader global issues, like climate change, and questioned whether pursuing this course of action would set a bad precedent for the council.

(1:38:03) Councilmember Yazmin Bahena supported Moss’s stance, echoing his belief that the council should take a stand and make their position known on this critical issue.

(1:38:15) Councilmember Susan Nakonieczny expressed concern about being asked to vote on an issue that does not directly impact local matters. While she stated she does not support nuclear weapons, she felt the treaty addressed broader concerns beyond local issues. She acknowledged that she had not fully explored the treaty, but questioned whether this was something the local city government should be focusing on. She emphasized that local issues, such as crime, streets, and public safety should remain the priority for the council. In her view, national representatives should be the ones addressing these global matters, and the council should focus on issues that directly affect Walla Walla.

(1:40:10) Riley Clubb thanked Professor Henry and expressed surprise that others did not see the relevance and importance of the nuclear weapons issue. To Clubb, the threat of nuclear weapons is something that affects everyone, especially in Walla Walla. He shared his belief in the importance of building momentum for prohibition and supported the resolution as a clear action toward that goal. Although he had not supported other resolutions that seemed non-local, Clubb felt this one had a specific and important objective. He expressed confidence that Walla Walla could address both local issues, like crime and public safety, while also making statements on global issues such as climate change and nuclear disarmament. Clubb affirmed his pride in being part of this effort and stated his support for the resolution.

(1:42:30) Mayor Tom Scribner summarized the council’s discussion in two questions: (1) whether councils should address issues that are more broad and may not directly impact Walla Walla, and (2) whether to support a nuclear weapons ban.

While all members agreed on the goal of banning nuclear weapons, some questioned whether such broad issues should be addressed by the local council, as they may not immediately affect Walla Walla. The mayor argued that Walla Walla, like other cities, is part of a larger network that includes the state, national, and global economy and environment. This interconnectedness means that issues like nuclear disarmament do, in fact, impact Walla Walla, even if not directly within city boundaries. He drew a parallel to the council’s annual push for improvements to US Highway 12, which is not within the city limits but is vital for resident safety. Nuclear weapons, similarly, pose a direct threat to safety, making the issue relevant to the council’s responsibilities.

The mayor emphasized that discussing the nuclear weapons ban does not distract from other local issues, like crime or infrastructure, and that addressing broader issues is necessary for the safety and well-being of residents.

(1:48:47) The motion passed 5-2, with Councilmembers Nakonieczny and Huie voting against it.