Hosterman co-sponsors Iraq withdrawal promo Hosterman co-sponsors Iraq withdrawal promo (November 11, 2005)

Calls for Bush to set timetable for exiting Afghanistan, Middle East
by Jeb Bing

Mayor Jennifer Hosterman has joined East Bay Democratic leaders and several other mayors in supporting House Joint Resolution 55, which calls for President Bush to develop and implement a plan for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq starting next year.

Hosterman is listed as a "co-sponsor" in an advertisement that was published in several East Bay daily newspapers and is posted on the Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club of Berkeley's Web site. One of more than 100 co-sponsors and additonal signers, she is listed as "Jennifer Hosterman (Mayor of Pleasanton)."

The advertisement can be seen on the Internet at http://pdeastbay.org/index, under the heading "Anti-War Ad Sponsored by WDRC" and by clicking "preview of the ad."

Sponsored by East Bay Democratic members of Congress Barbara Lee, George Miller and Pete Stark, who represents part of Pleasanton, House Joint Resolution 55 would set a timetable for troop withdrawal.

"We call on every American, every civic organization, every public body and elected officials to rally behind HJR 55," the ad states. It asks for supporters to "extend this campaign in your community" and to "ask for help by sending an e-mail to: info@democraticrenewal.us."

Besides Hosterman, the two other city mayors listed as co-sponsors are Tom Bates of Berkeley and Irma T. Anderson of Richmond. Also listed as co-sponsors are Assemblywoman Wilma Chen (D., 16th), Alameda County Supervisors Alice Lai-Bitkker and Keith Carson, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools Sheila Jordan and Sherry Larson-Benville of the Livermore Peace Action Project.

"As mayor of Pleasanton my position and role are nonpartisan," Hosterman said. "And yet I think it's important for me to be able to voice my opinion on various matters. "

"I think it's important as a mayor to weigh in and be part of the national conversation," she added. "And, I think it's important that we have a plan strategically and nationally for a pull-out of our troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. I want this president and his cabinet to come up with a plan for withdrawing troops from the Middle East."

Hosterman said she does not plan to ask the City Council to take up the anti-war resolution, but that if anyone in the public wants to share their views with the council, they are welcome to do so.

"Certainly the City Council is the appropriate forum to make your voice heard," she said. "But I do not plan to involve the council in this issue."

On the other hand, she plans to seek council support in signing up Pleasanton to join the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), an association of local governments and national and regional government organizations that have made a commitment to sustainable development. ICLEI is working with the Alameda County Waste Management Authority to promote actions that increase the overall sustainability and livability of the communities it serves.

"This organization has stated that global warming is an issue that's happening and something we need to be cognizant of," Hosterman said. "I'll be able to support that on my own as mayor, but I would certainly love to have the council's support for this, too."

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