City of Asheville Staff Emails: Occupy Asheville

From: Gary Jackson

Subject: RE: Regarding Occupy Asheville

Date: 2011-10-05 11:12:31

To:

Gordon:

I know you probably realize, but...our police department has more
experience than almost any with protests and protesters, and as well
counter-protests and counter protesters. So, their batting average is
pretty good for working through differences of opinion. Whenever we
encounter potential differences, we seek to identify if their is an
official or unofficial legal advisor to help reach understandings.

In this case, it appears we've covered the ordinances with their
informal or unofficial legal advisor. Based on emails however, it
appears Mr. Stewart wants blessing or permissions that can't be granted
by ordinance or statute. APD will continue to advise him what the
ordinances allow and do not allow. We will expect the usual extra
special sensitivity from our officers, but they can't just look the
other way when and if legal lines are crossed.

No response needed. Just wanted you to know APD was and will be
expected to continue to be responsive within their limits. I've copied
our legal staff on the line of communications so they may interject
advice when and if necessary too.

Gary
________________________________

From: Gordon Smith [mailto:gordonsmith@avlcouncil.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2011 4:11 PM
To: Gary Jackson
Cc: David Stewart
Subject: Fwd: Regarding Occupy Asheville


City Manager Jackson,

Please read below an email from one of the people involved in the Occupy
Asheville effort. Could you please consult with APD to answer Mr.
Stewart's questions?

Thank you,

Gordon


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Stewart
Date: Tue, Oct 4, 2011 at 3:02 PM
Subject: Re: Regarding Occupy Asheville
To: Gordon Smith


Gordon,

Thank you for your prompt response. The "occupation" has actually been
going on since October 1st, with a camp set up on Wall St for the 1st 2
days and last night they were forced to move to the patio of the Mellow
Mushroom. It has been difficult to coalesce due to a lack of a viable
central base of operations for fear of legal recourse. We are determined
to stay within the boundaries of the law and I am writing to you today
to ask where we can "occupy" safely and for an undetermined period of
time. Somewhere in Pack Square would be ideal but I am open to any other
suggestions. I believe there are curfew laws currently in place
preventing us from camping there or in Pritchard Park as it stands.


Best in All,

David Stewart
Senior Account Manager
Blue House Works
828.232.0016 x226
davids@bluehouseworks.com




On Tue, Oct 4, 2011 at 2:55 PM, Gordon Smith
wrote:


David,

Thanks for writing and for your concern. The Occupy event is
still nascent, and I for one am entirely uncertain as to where it will
go from here. I have communicated with a couple of the organizers and
let them know that I will look forward to hearing an agenda emerge. I'm
all ears.

Gordon


On Tue, Oct 4, 2011 at 2:53 PM, David Stewart
wrote:


Mr Smith,

I've been following all of this very closely and have
noticed a lot of uncertainty about where this should be taking place.
Has anyone petitioned your office to ask where they should be doing
this? I just know there is a lot of frustration right now and people
want to feel like their voices are being heard. I think there is a lot
to lose in this moment by not facilitating an outlet for this
frustration and by marginalizing these voices. I would be happy to pass
on any thoughts or feelings you have in this matter.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best in All,

David Stewart
Senior Account Manager
Blue House Works
828.232.0016 x226
davids@bluehouseworks.com

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