Thank you very much for asking this question. This should be encouraged because
it is a good practice which we as community leaders and stakeholders of this
neighborhood need to adopt. Asking the right questions to verify about what we
hear in the community helps to prevents misjudgments and unnecessary dialogues.
Before I state the facts about the questions asked, I just want to say that we
are deeply saddened by what happened on February 4th . A few disruptive caucus
attendees ended the caucus for the majority. PUC stands against voter
intimidation, bullying and threatening behaviors. Everyone who enters Coyle/any
PUC location should feel welcomed and respected. Coyle Staff, DFL party,
Minneapolis Police and (likely others in the community) acted quickly to ensure
no serious injuries occurred. But we remain concerned and upset for the woman
who was assaulted. Coyle Center has always been available for community use. It
has been used for political events including caucuses, elections, all kinds of
community meetings, celebrations, private parties, sports, cultural events and
more, and will remain available as always.
Here is the fact about requesting the Brian Coyle Center GYM for rescheduling
the DFL caucus. On Thursday afternoon, our front desk staff received a call
from DFL party St. Paul's office. The caller asked if the GYM is available to
reschedule the caucus on February 19th. When I was told about the request, I
was connected to the DFL party representative and told him that the GYM can be
available for the caucus on that day. I asked him from what time and he stated
4-10pm. Following the reservation, I mentioned to him that this time, the
event needs to be well organized, conductors need to be well prepared to handle
large crowd, everyone coming through the door needs to be directed in to the
GYM and properly seated, there needs to be more police presence for safety and
they need to bring their own speaker system as ours has not been working. We
agreed on everything. Finally, he stated he will call back to confirm. After
about 30 minutes, he called back and said they don't need the GYM any more.
That is the fact of the issue on this. Please call me if you have any questions
and feel free to email out to anyone asking about this.
Thanks,
Amano Dube
Director, Brian Coyle Center
420 15th Avenue S. Minneapolis, MN 55454
Tel. 612-338-5282 (main); 612-876-9323 (direct)
From: Hani Mohamed
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2014 6:17 PM
To: Amano Dube
Subject: Caucuses
Hi Amano,
I Heard PUC refused to allow/hold the caucuses again to Brian Coyle Center, is
that true? The community is wondering why PUC is refusing to be hold the caucus
at Coyle!
Thanks
Hani