protest050808
On the homepage
Sunday's paper
Out There
9/11 trial
Outreach
Home | Politically Connected | National Politics | Political Conventions
Council hears 'voluntary' plan to check Minneapolis protests
Council Member Paul Ostrow cited demonstrations that "shut down" Seattle in '99. Others said he was sowing panic.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from Political Conventions
Warning of the consequences "if protesters are allowed to run wild" during the Republican National Convention, Minneapolis City Council Member Paul Ostrow Wednesday offered a "voluntary" plan to regulate demonstrations in the city.
The plan drew praise from business organizations and police and quick condemnation from protest groups.
Three of Ostrow's fellow council members also criticized the plan at a hearing in which Ostrow cited anti-globalism protests in 1999 when the "city of Seattle was shut down."
Council Member Gary Schiff said such remarks "reflect panic," which Ostrow denied.
Ostrow proposed a "voluntary registration plan" for sidewalk protests, but Council Member Cam Gordon said it actually was a mandatory plan because groups must get approval for public assemblies for more than 50 people in which pedestrians are unable to use the sidewalks.
Although Minneapolis currently regulates street parades, it has no rules on sidewalk protests.
While there would be no penalty for failure to register under Ostrow's plan, the city could deny a permit for the action. A police decision "to disperse or arrest assembly participants shall not be based solely on the fact that a plan has not been approved for the assembly," the proposal says.
Police Chief Tim Dolan said police "feel very comfortable" with the proposal. Also backing it were the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, Greater Minneapolis Building Owners and Managers Association and the Downtown Council.
Protest groups said there were sufficient laws on the books and the proposal was unfairly restrictive.
Ostrow said he plans revisions, and Gordon said he will propose "completely voluntary" registration when the public safety and regulatory services committee takes more public testimony on May 21.
Randy Furst • 612-673-7382
Recent Political Conventions stories
Intent on strong response to Gustav, Bush off to Texas to meet with relief workers, evacuees - May 7, 2008
Intent on strong response to Gustav, Bush off to Texas to meet with relief workers, evacuees - As Hurricane Gustav threatens the Gulf Coast, President Bush is out to show the nation that his government has learned the haunting lessons of Katrina and is ready to act. That includes a rapid response by Bush himself, who will be planted near the danger zone even before the storm hits home. More
The Whistleblower blog has moved
The Star Tribune is still blowing the whistle, but our look and location have changed. Click here to get to the new blog. If you want the actual URL, it’s www.startribune.com/blogs/whistleblower.html. Our blog posts will now be easier to search on the web site, but you’ll need to register to post a comment. In the [...]
Recent posts
 Open House ShowcaseThousands of homes open this weekend!View all open houses >> View all homes for sale >> |
Win tickets to see Brett Dennen at Pantages Theatre.Vita.mn presents Brett Dennen with Grace Potter and The Nocturnals at Pantages Theatre on Nov. 27. |
Comment on this story | Read all 8 comments | Hide reader comments