Occupy Trenton: Support from Senator Turner And More

by: Bill Orr

Wed Oct 19, 2011 at 03:36:06 PM EDT

Senator Shirley K. Turner (D-15th), whose district includes Trenton in a telephone interview today, said, "The issues the occupiers are concerned about, I am concerned about - the lack of economic justice. Constituents have complained to me about items taken from them by the police. The occupiers are not being treated well. People are starting to wake up to the fact that government serves the greedy, not the needy. We can't keep cutting the State budget on the backs of the poor and the middle class with the working person being crushed."

After a rainy night and ongoing bad weather Occupy Trenton began its 14th day at the World War II Memorial. Last night members addressed Trenton City Council, their lawyers are finalizing a lawsuit, organizers are talking with people about coming to an event in Trenton, and they are coping with keeping the venue open 24/7 in the midst of bad weather, no shelter, and generator problems. They stream live at their website where there is also a CHAT LINE and NEWS section to update the public.

Although they don't use the word "rally," Organizer Heath Weaver said "we have been talking with people about pulling together some veterans organizations and other folks to come to Trenton." Edward Anthony said, "We're looking forward to continuing our outreach to the local communities." At 11:00 AM members joined a Webinar: How to Organize a Resilience Circle, with such topics as "using base communities" and the "linking method to build your group."

Edward Anthony and others last night addressed the Trenton City Council, which was already familiar with the occupation. Mayor Tony Mack was not there, but Edward stated to the Council that Mayor Mack acknowledged the site is under the city's jurisdiction. Edward indicated that the council did not contest the point and one councilperson offered some help. Edward added there was "light applause after some of us spoke," and Heath said "the general response was good." Mayor Mack's office has not yet returned a phone call on the matter.

David Perry Davis, Esq, an Occupy Trenton lawyer, said he is working with Edward Barocas, ACLU Legal Director, in preparing a lawsuit which they will review today. He hopes to have it finalized in the next 24 to 48 hours.

More on the letter troopers used to confiscate items and on legal matters below the fold

Bill Orr :: Occupy Trenton: Support from Senator Turner And More

The letter from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs cited by the State Troopers when they removed a truck load of items from Occupy Trenton is now available and can be read here. On its letterhead on the top left it lists Governor Christie as "Commander-in-Chief" and to the right it lists Glenn K. Reith, Major General, The Adjutant General. The letter affirms, "You are more than welcome to stay on this site and exercise your First Amendment rights." However, it goes on to say, "The property that you are on is State Property under the management of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs." The letter cite rules with which it says Occupy Trenton must comply. However, there is currently disagreement as to whether the venue is State property, quasi-state property, or under the jurisdiction of the City of Trenton. How applicable these rules are remain in question as it appears there is a lack of municipal ordinances or state statutes regarding activities and belongings at the site. Any effort to create new rules now could be viewed as imposing limitations on the freedom of speech.

Tags: veterans, Senator Shirley Turner, Ed Barocas, David Perry Davis, featured, Major General Glenn K. Reith, Mayor Tony Mack, Occupy Trenton, (All Tags)

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Occupy Trenton: Support from Senator Turner And More | 1 comments

I vision hundreds gathering (0.00 / 0)

signature petitions to get on ballots all over this state. I don't have a "vision thing" problem like Bushie. The occupy movement has to end soon as it gets colder. What will we do next yr? Get on ballots.

"the black sheep can wear the golden fleece and hold a winning hand" Tim Hardin

by: gary stein @ Wed Oct 26, 2011 at 00:31:37 AM UTC