Coalition fights death penalty

By Mike O'Neal Staff Writer
Chattanooga Times Free Press

The Chattanooga chapter of the Tennessee Coalition to Abolish State Killing met Monday night to plan renewed efforts opposing the death penalty.

Describing himself as "a vocal critic of the death penalty," the Rev. Mark Womack said he wants the group to become more active against the death penalty in Tennessee and other states.

Randy Tatel, executive director of the statewide organization, said the grass-roots group helps build local chapters. He said the local group first should focus on action, organization and establishing goals.

"I don't want to oppose the death penalty - I want to end it," Mr. Tatel said. "Slavery was ended by changing the laws, and the second abolition movement will end the death penalty."

Mr. Tatel showed an interview given by Rep. Chris Clem, R-Lookout Mountain, and recent winner of the Republican primary for the 27th District seat, to a Nashville television station.

On the tape, Rep. Clem refuted claims that the Death penalty was costly and said, "We could hang them and reuse the rope."

The group's next meeting will be Monday, Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Evans Center at Girls Preparatory School, hosted by the GPS chapter of Amnesty International. Call 821-1618.

E-mail Mike O'Neal at moneal@timesfreepress.com