(The latest in a series of posts on City government)
Gadfly is a bit pressed for time today, so here is quick information about doin’s on the demonstration ordinance last night at City Council.
Gadfly will return to give you more detailed information on resident commentary.
The Mayor’s statement:
- Some members of the City inquired if the City could exclude such groups from demonstrations on public property.
- It was quickly understood on our part that First Amendment considerations do not allow exclusionary solution ordinance.
- However, I considered it reasonable to let ArtsQuest and its representatives to contribute ideas about how to address their concerns,
- We submitted this ordinance to Council early in April, and it has been in the public domain for two months . Surprisingly, it attracted very little attention from the public.
- It’s only within the last several days that most public concern has surfaced.
- I have always been a firm supporter of First Amendment rights.
- Through this ordinance we seek to employ reasonable and constitutional time and place regulations . . .
- One of my responsibilities as Mayor is to be responsive to public concerns . . . I consider it best and responsive to take the time needed to consider all the constructive comments.