Mayor Coleman.
The resolution was developed to be in sync with a similar resolution
sponsored by Cam Gordon in Minneapolis. Our hopes are to continue emphasis
on the event as one protecting and cherishing free speech - by all sides.
We will not be waiting til 6 months before the event to begin the
conversation and we will definitely include local assemblies of advocates
such as True Blue.
To answer Paul S. I am committed to including local residents and
businesses immediately in the planning so that we are not in the position of
being hapless hosts to a national spectacle. We've had one meeting with
area small businesses (courtesy of the West 7th Federation) and will meet
one on one with every condo association, church, resident group or anyone
else to ensure that their lives will not be extraordinarily inconvenienced.
dave
ward two - convention epicenter
>>>>>>
A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLIC INPUT,
DIRECTING CITY STAFF INVOLVED IN COORDINATING THE 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL
CONVENTION TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY IN AN EFFORT TO ENSURE THE RIGHT TO
POLITICAL SPEECH AND CIVIC DEBATE IS PRESERVED THROUGH THE FORMATION OF A
LEGISLATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul has a long tradition of free speech,
association and assembly; and
WHEREAS, the occasion of the 2008 Republican National Convention ("RNC")
will provide a forum for the City’s commitment to First Amendment rights;
and
WHEREAS, citizens of the United States are increasingly reflecting on issues
of great significance to our nation’s future, discussing issues of war,
public safety, civil rights and social justice. The City recognizes and
respects the Republican and Democratic national conventions as central to
the national discourse on these important issues; and
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council welcomes the 2008 Republican National
Convention as an opportunity to showcase the City worldwide. Recognizing
that demonstrators will arrive in our City to engage in what will be a great
public conversation between the people and their elected officials, the
Saint Paul City Council also greets demonstrators with the same respect and
honor accorded to conventioneers; and
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council recognizes that the City is responsible
to both protect public safety as well as uphold the rights of free speech
and expression; and
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council declares that free and robust public
discourse of public issues is a civic virtue that must be protected and
permitted to the greatest extent possible, subject only to reasonable time,
place, and manner limitations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the Saint Paul City Council directs the formation of a legislative
advisory committee in order to provide advice and recommendations to the
Chief of Police and all City staff working with the 2008 Republican National
Convention Host Committee and the Committee on Arrangements in the
development of the Convention Site Agreement and the Convention Security
Plan; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, this legislative advisory committee will comprise all of
the following, or their designees:
§ The Mayor,
§ Up to two Members of the City Council,
§ The Chief of Police,
§ The Director of Human Rights,
§ The City Attorney,
§ The Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, and
§ Two representatives of recognized civil liberties groups such as the
American Civil Liberties Union or the National Lawyers Guild; and, be it
FINALLY RESOLVED, this legislative advisory committee will create a model
whereby the City ensures the preservation of the right to political speech
and civic debate without disruption to community life during the 2008
Republican National Convention. This legislative advisory committee will be
constituted from the date of approval by the City Council until not less
than 21 days after the conclusion of the Republican National Convention of
2008 and shall report approximately every 6 months, and as needed, to City
Council starting on July 16, 2007.