Questions for Public Officials

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Statement 2: Lots of people are getting pretty scared about what might happen on January 1, 2000, when some computers and microchips break down. Already there are signs that thousands of them are heading for the hills, stocking up on dried food and planning to take all their money out of the banks. This sort of stuff will probably get worse during the next year.

Question 2: What will you do to prevent widespread panic and dangerous runs on banks and stores, without impeding people's ability to prepare for Y2K?

Statement 3: Last July President Clinton cited a Wells Fargo survey that showed that of the small businesses that even know about the year 2000 problem, roughly half intend to do nothing about it. Most of the jobs in our economy come from small businesses. They make parts and provide services that are vital to the operations of big businesses. If lots of small businesses fold, our economy is done for.

Question 3: What could you do to make sure that the small businesses in your constituency are well prepared?

Statement 4: The North American Electrical Readiness Council stated in a September 1998 report that 64 percent of electrical utilities in the U.S. are only 30 percent through their Y2K repairs, and 36 percent of utilities have no plan at all. Many people think there is just not enough time for them to complete this work. It is also likely that nuclear plants, (which are 20 percent of our generating capacity) will have to be shut down because their safety cannot be guaranteed. If we lose our electrical grid we will have severe infrastructure and supply problems.

Question 4: What will you do to ensure that the United States (or your local region) has electricity (or backup systems) in January 2000? In particular, do you support the establishment of local micro-grids and government incentives for sustainable, locally self-reliant energy systems like solar and wind power?

Statement 5: Many people who live in urban areas are very concerned that even if they prepare by storing food and water, large populations of poor or unprepared people could lead to widespread social unrest. We could face severe social disruptions and even violence if basic services and supplies are unavailable. Proposals have been made that the federal or state government establish warehouses of food and supplies in the inner cities to prevent this scenario. We could use schools for shelters and involve churches and businesses. There are all sorts of things we could do.Question 5: What will you do to help us work together to prepare our whole community for Y2K? (This can be asked even if it is a state or national official, because state and national policies can help or hinder community collaborations.)

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