Posted on 06/30/2002 4:51:50 PM PDT by areafiftyone
GARRISON - Activists who want the Indian Point Nuclear Plant shut down, say their leaders aren't doing enough to protect them from possible terrorist attacks. They hoped their complaints would hit home with Governor Pataki.
As News 12's Heather Kovar reports, activists rallied near the Governor's Putnam County home.
We think it's irresponsible for the Governor to sign off on an evacuation plan that most of the residents in a ten mile radius of the plant believe will not work, said Jonathan Wright, of the Westchester Green Party.
They're also concerned the government isn't doing enough to protect the Indian Point nuclear power plants, despite recent warnings of possible terrorist plots to attack nuclear facilities in the northeast.
The warning for authorities to be on the lookout this upcoming Independence Day doesn't sit well either.
Some say they just want to enjoy they're 4th of July holiday weekend, not worry about the possibility of a terrorist attack on Indian Point.
It's been on the back of my mind. We haven't made plans, part of me wants to get all my stuff done at home, the other part of me, I don't want to risk it, said Ostrid Schwartz of Garrison.
These demonstrators say they want their Governor to take action. The two democrats vying to run against Pataki say they're ready.
I'm with the protestors on this one, and the government needs to understand that, said Andrew Cuomo, (D), and candidate for governor.
H. Carl McCall released a statement to News 12 Westchester saying, In January I urged the Governor not to certify the evacuation plan. I then urged him to rescind his certification.
Others at the demonstration showed their full support for Pataki.
What's happening now is that the fears are being drummed up by anti-nuclear groups taking advantage of 30 years of rhetoric, said Vinny Coulehan, an Engineer and an Ardsley firefighter.
This family says Indian Point will not keep them from enjoying this weekend, and the 4th, on the Hudson.
I wouldn't take five children with me on a boat if I didn't feel secure on the Hudson River on this Fourth of July weekend, said Laura Petrucelli.
That said, protesters want their point made.
A spokesperson for Governor Pataki says he takes this issue very seriously and that the safety of the people in Westchester is a top priority. The governor has asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to review Indian Point's evacuation plan thoroughly.
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