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LaVerkin is first U.N.-free zone in
nation By PATRICE ST. GERMAIN, The Spectrum patrices@thespectrum.com LAVERKIN, UTAH — LaVerkin City is the first municipality in the United States to become a United Nations-Free Zone after the council voted three to two in favor of the ordinance. Eleven changes were made to the original ordinance before approval. Despite the Fourth of July holiday, more than 50 people turned out at the meeting. Many were not residents of the town, but were there to lend their support to the council in favor of the ordinance. Public comment took over an hour with more than 15 people speaking. Only half of the people making comments were from LaVerkin LaVerkin City employee June Jeffrey wearing a light blue blouse, was the only person at the meeting who spoke against the ordinance. Jeffrey said she had concerns with the U.N., but she also had concerns about making an ordinance against the organization. “An ordinance is more than a statement, it’s a law,” she said. “Maybe we need to study the U.N. and its teachings, but to me, this ordinance is jumping the gun.” Mayor Dan Howard said The Spectrum editorial Wednesday was misleading. Howard said the ordinance would not trample on anyone’s rights and it was not a tax dodge. Laura Justice, a member of the armed forces, said the section of upholding the constitution in the ordinance was important. Roberta O’Neil said she was concerned that the ordinance would bring a lot of strange people in town. “We already have a lot of strange people in town,” she said. “We don’t need to get more people any stranger in town.” Toquerville council member Gary McBride said he hoped to get a similar ordinance going and passed in Toquerville. Gary Lunt, Toquerville, said someone said the U.N. document is not for peace. It is a document for war. Fred and Shaunna Johnson, Virgin, both told the council they supported the ordinance to create a U.N.-Free Zone. LaVerkin resident Bob Kelly congratulated the council on standing up for an issue. “You are not obligated to stop the U.N., but you are obligated to stand up to them,” he said. Mike Anders blessed the council for their courage. Virgin Planning and Zoning member Sean Amodt called the council’s meeting on the ordinance re-Independence Day. “The Spectrum said to write a letter to Bush,” Amodt said while the audience laughed. “This may be crude to say but get them before they get us.” Deborah Armstrong, a LaVerkin resident, said the U.N. does things that contradicts itself. Zack Stratford called himself a man of few words. “I heard the voice of god today and he is speaking now,” Stratford said as thunder rumbled outside. “God wants us to get rid of the U.N. It is better to die in freedom than to die in slavery. In slavery, you die many times.” Toquerville resident Leif Bjarnson said the thunder was very fitting. “God Bless America was originally a poem called ’While the storm clouds gather,’” he said. “How fitting is that. Can you feel the energy in this room? It makes me want to cry. This is a historic event. Reaffirming our rights. This is the right decision — let the consequences follow.” All the public comments were greeted with applause from the audience, including Jeffrey’s. After making approximately 11 changes to the ordinance, Iverson made a motion to pass the ordinance. Al Snow seconded the motion. Gary McKell, the only council member who was appointed and not elected, said the ordinance was too radical for him and would not support the ordinance. Kelly Wilson said he didn’t agree with the UN but didn’t agree with the ordinance. “I am not afraid to make my opinion public,” Wilson said. “I am not voting for it. I’m in favor of tabling the ordinance and would be more in favor of a resolution to make a statement.” Daren Cottam said he appreciated the turnout, especially since most council meetings only have five to 10 participants. He said he was in favor of the ordinance. “This is the place to start to make our feelings known,” he said. Iverson said the ordinance makes a statement standing up for freedom. “This will give others the courage to take a stand as well,” he said. Al Snow said a lot of Americans know nothing of their rights and the ordinance is to protect freedom. “The fight for freedom is God’s fight,” Snow said “Anyone who fights for freedom stands with God.” Snow said the ordinance is shaping the debate on freedom and was important to do. “If we don’t do it, who will,” he said. “The silent majority has been silent too long.” Although Mayor Howard has no vote, he lent his support to the ordinance. Once the council passed the ordinance, the members of the audience gave the council a standing ovation and loud cheers.
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