Oxford resolution opposes imports of chemical weapons

By Rob Jordan
Star Staff Writer
03-09-2005

OXFORD — As the father of two school-aged children, Steven Waits doesn’t want to imagine deadly nerve agent-filled trucks or trains rumbling through town. So news that the Pentagon is considering transporting Cold War-era chemical weapons among destruction sites such as Calhoun County’s seemed like a nightmare come true to Waits. Inspired by a similar document passed by the Calhoun County Commission last month, Waits, a city councilman, drafted a resolution opposing importation of chemical weapons into the county and Oxford. The City Council approved the resolution 4-0 Tuesday night. Councilman Greg Thrower, a parts-management specialist at Anniston Army Depot, abstained. “We can’t just sit back and hope it won’t happen,” Waits said after the meeting. Although federal law bans the interstate transport of chemical weapons, a presidential order or act of Congress could override the law. Pentagon officials have said they are considering transportation as an alternative to building costly destruction plants in Colorado and Kentucky.

About Rob Jordan

Rob Jordan covers Oxford for The Star.