News
Activists to protest for 50 hours in Newton
By Rob Jennings New Jersey Herald
Posted: Feb. 2, 2016 12:01 am
NEWTON-- Up to seven activists are planning a 50-hour vigil on the Newton Green, starting tonight, to protest the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Wendy Goetz said the event will be an expanded version of the Tuesday evening demonstrations underway since November in opposition to the trade agreement.
It is planned to last from 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
"I'll be staying there unless I'm asked to leave," said Goetz on Monday afternoon after notifying Newton Police Department of her plan.
Goetz said she will not be bringing a tent for warmth.
"Probably I'll be a little chilly," Goetz said.
"I'll wear some layers, pack a poncho. Maybe bring a lawn chair and see if they're OK with that," added Goetz, a Frelinghuysen resident.
The Newton Green is under the control of the county government.
County Administrator Stephen Gruchacz, prior to Goetz's visit to police, said he was unaware of the vigil plan.
The 50-hour vigil is the latest local high-profile demonstration against the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
President Obama has said the proposed agreement with 11 other nations, including Canada and Mexico, would boost the economy, in part by eliminating more than 18,000 taxes tacked onto U.S. products sold internationally.
U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett, R-5th District, whose district includes Newton, has expressed opposition to the proposal, which was drafted in October and is subject to approval from the Republican-controlled Congress.
Asked about the timeframe, Goetz said ratification discussions are planned for Wednesday in New Zealand and that protests in seven countries are planned for Thursday.
"We decided to support it the entire time," said Goetz, whose Tuesday demonstrations have typically lasted from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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