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Democracy vs. Government - There is a Difference!
The Dean's List attended the "Open" meeting this past Saturday morning at the Monroe County Office Building. The meeting was scheduled to begin at 8:00 AM. I took my seat in the County Legislator's chambers around 7:50 AM. People were coming in on a steady basis and I was glad to see that the Rochester community came out to support this cause.
At 8:00 AM, Monroe County Sheriff's Deputies made an announcement that everyone must take a seat. At that time, there were (4) Deputies standing and facing the crowd. They said that if you couldn't find a seat, you must wait in the hallway - no one could stand or sit on the floor. They closed the doors and posted RPD Officers outside of the door and would not allow anyone else to come in. Mike Barker (R) and Chairman of the Public Defender selection committee attempted to start the session. That's when the fireworks started.
**Note**The sign outside of the door stated that the room capacity was 185. There were 70 people in the room.**
Lead by Assemblyman David Gantt, and Ministers Franklin Florence and Raymond Graves, the crowd of about 70 people demanded that everyone in the hallway be allowed to enter the room since this was an open process. Mike Barker continued to attempt to start the meeting, but was met with chants from the crowd, "No, No, No, No,....!" Willie Lightfoot (D) made a motion that we re-convene the meeting at another time until they could move to another venue where all people in the community could attend. Mike Barker (R) said that would not happen and they all left the room and went into their private chambers. This happened at 8:25 AM.
The contingency of Sheriff Deputies grew to 19 and they added 12 Rochester Police Officers - all facing the peaceful crowd.
At 8:30 AM, Willie Lightfoot (D), Calvin Lee (D) and Glenn Gamble (D) emerged from the back and approached Gantt, Florence and Scott. They had several conversations and asked for a meeting with Mike Barker (R). Their request was denied! The Democrats then decided to remove themselves from the meeting.
At about 9:30 AM, a Sheriff's Deputy emerged from the back and said that everyone must clear the room or they would be arrested! The Deputy said that the direction was given by Dan Quatro (R). A handful of people left the room, but the majority remained, including the Dean's List.
Minister Florence told the crowd to leave using "a silent ministry". He said that he, Mr. Gantt and Minister Scott would get arrested instead.
The crowd moved into the hallway. We watched as the handcuffed (behind their backs) Minister Florence, Minister Scott and Assemblyman Gantt. They walked them out of the chambers, put them on the elevator and put them in awaiting squad cars waiting in front of the building.
OK - that's just the play by play. Tomorrow, the Dean's List will address the feelings, emotions and ramifications of what happened on Saturday.
FYI (in the public record):
Mike Barker (R)
mbarker@rochester.rr.com
Dan Quatro (R)
monroe15@monroecounty.gov
