City Council Set To Approve NATO/G8 Security Plan
By aaroncynic in News on Jan 18, 2012 4:00PM
The Chicago City Council is expected to approve Mayor Emanuel’s slightly adjusted protest ordinance proposal today. The Sun-Times reports the ordinance breezed through a committee yesterday on a voice vote. Aldermen did not get much time to review the newest set of proposals, which were handed out mere minutes before the start of the meeting to approve them. Several aldermen leveled critical questions in the meeting, the Reader reports. Ald. James Balcer (11th) asked “Do you share the public’s concern about the increased fine for resisting police officers and First Amendment issues?” Tom Tunney (44th) said “I think we all agree on the need to prepare. But my question is with the First Amendment part of this.”
Police Superintendent Gary McCarthy responded “…after hearing the voices, and in collaboration with the administration, the police department, and the public, we decided to pull that (increased fines and other new requirements) off the table.”
Ald. Ray Suarez (31st) shared concerns about who might pick up the tab for the summits. Even though city officials hinted the Federal government would bear the cost, McCarthy said that “has not been determined.” In addition to fiscal concerns, others are still concerned about some of the other language in the ordinance. Jeff Frank of the National Lawyers Guild told the Sun-Times “one part of this new ordinance is that every sign has to be described in particularity on the permit.” Special Events and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Michelle Boone said that only required to “large” signs. Protest organizer Andy Thayer suggested that if the city council approves the measures, it would lead to more intense protests.
Crain’s reports protesters who demonstrated at yesterday’s meeting and plan on demonstrating today said the ordinance places “onerous limits on First Amendment right to free speech and assembly, including burdensome permit requirements for even sidewalk protests, the threat of steep new fines and other provisions that are practically impossible to comply with.”