BRATTLEBORO-There has been some conversation recently, public and private, about the costs of organizing public events in Brattleboro.
As a member of Brattleboro Area Action, which, along with Indivisible Brattleboro has organized No Kings as well as other demonstrations this past year, I want to give people some facts on holding public gatherings here. We have had 3,500 people or more at some of these events.
There have been questions raised about costs and whether groups are treated differently. To start, the town charges $25 for a parade permit, as called for by town ordinance. Then there are rental fees for using town parks or parking lots. For larger events with higher impacts to the town budget, the town has asked for a donation.
Those funds cover extra staffing by the Department of Public Works and Fire/EMS as well as the police. The world goes on for folks in town who are not at these events and, thankfully, the town considers their potential needs as well. Keeping people safe requires staffing and money.
Activist groups, including Indivisible, that have marched and closed streets for any length of time this past year raise funds and make good-sized contributions to the town for these additional costs. Groups sponsoring other events such as the Fourth of July and Gallery Walk raise money for the same reason. Some celebrations such as the Horribles Parade at Halloween are budgeted by the town. I don’t see No Kings getting a line item in the town budget.
There have been claims that the town’s requirements in some way threaten our First Amendment right to free speech. I can’t see it. Free speech remains free; gathering costs money.
As one of the planners of and participants in events that have allowed thousands of people to gather and exercise their right to speak their minds and resist the political nightmare we find ourselves in, I am grateful that the town of Brattleboro has been supportive and hospitable.
Brattleboro Area Action
Brattleboro
Rev. Calvin O. Dame
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