Manassas City Police Chief Skinner has changed a few rules for demonstrators along the Sudley Road/Forestwood Corridor. Over the summer, Chief Skinner had several complaints about signs and protestors blocking the line of vision of drivers attempting to pull out onto Sudley Road. As a result, the chief, in conjunction with the city attorney and city manager, devised some new rules, with safety as the main goal.
The demonstration site was moved so no one’s vision was blocked. Additionally “City ordinance limits the number of signs demonstrators may use at any one time to five. The signs must not exceed 24 by 36 inches and may be attached to wooden handles with no sharp ends, Skinner said. ”
Protestors requested to go down onto private property. Skinner explained that the property owner will not permit demonstrations there.
As long as everyone has to go by the same rules, no one should mind these safety conscious rules. Chief Skinner appears to have gone above and beyond the call of duty. He has contacted the people who demonstrate most frequently and explained why he arrived at the decision he did. Some folks have complained to the City Council about first amendment rights. That seems like quite a stretch. I would hate to think someone was in a automobile accident because I just had to exercise my rights.
Full story in the Manassas News and Messenger @ www.insidenova.com
Interesting, we had a discussion about the safety issues last week. Protesters(any and all) do NOT need to be on the side of a major thoroughfare waving signs. I also, feel that groups hosting car washes, and those other charities that collect money at traffic lights are also a distraction to drivers. Oh, add those that loiter to the list too. And pleae, don’t come along and tell me that’s comparing apples to oranges, because that’s simple not true. All parties are human beings, and a distration to drivers is just that. My stance applies to ALL people, and not just those that I disagree with.
Good for Chief Skinner for putting safety first. I go to the Farmers’ Market every weekend and I see people slowing down and looking at those on the side of Sudley Rd. Trust me they are not only there on the first Saturday of the month. You can see people gathered there in the middle of the week from time to time too.
I’m very glad to see that’s there size limitations on the signs at these protests. Last Saturday I reported on seeing people on Sudley Rd between Coverstone & Ballsford Rds. They had signs under each arm that were huge and had very graphic pictures. I did see the PWPD pulled over talking to some of these folks, and it had one lane of traffic closed on 234. That road is congested enough, and the last thing anyone needs to see is a bunch of people on the median.
“Trust me they are not only there on the first Saturday of the month.” They are ALWAYS there every day I drive by, even during the week most of the time. It’s obnoxious.
Thanks for the clarification, PAP. I usually bail out on Stonewall Rd during the week. However, on when I do head that way I seem to see them.
I agree with Lafayette here, a distraction is a distraction, period. Why has no action been taken on day laborers, cheerleader car washes, pee-wee football fund raising, etc…?
Off topic but I can’t wait until Connolly is voted out. I’m glad to see he has enough free time to act in a amateur theater group: http://www.politico.com/click/stories/0910/rep_connollys_drama_bug.html
What the hell is he thinking? Doesn’t he have more important things to be working on?
Aren’t all politicians actors of sorts to begin with?
great point Pagan Patty, I suppose he is just sharpening his campaign skills.
2 different jurisdictions. The fact that the city dealt with this issue probably has to do with degree of frequency and regularity.
Wasn’t there a life chain on Sunday or is it this coming Sunday? I forgot to look last weekend.
The protestors are out there most days. I do business in the area and can’t remember not seeing them. They are out there a few at a time, not a big huge rally.
Folks, there is an open thread on here…down about 3-4 posts. Hello, tell us there why you begrudge a politican having a hobby.
The open thread is too far down to get any real attention.
Pagan, I am sure you and Hello will manage. Its the fifth one down.
I am sure we will! I do think hello and Lafayette are both right about the distractions to motorists. Shouldn’t those that love the unborn children be spending some quality time with their own children? I do not think dragging them to political conventions and protests is my idea of quality time either.
They have been out there for 20 some years. I am sure their efforts are sincere, even though I have heard the owner of that clinic tell people that she loves them being there because it saves her advertizing money.
I believe they can express their opinion and exercise their 1st amndment rights without endangering drivers. I think Chief Skinner is doing the right thing.
What I don’t understand is why Forestwood Lane, which is the street running behind those medical offices(to the left of Forestwood Pharmacy and perpendicular to Sudley Road), is considered private property. It looks like a normal street to me. Now that parking lot is another matter. (to the right of old Forestwood Pharmacy) That is private property and protestors have NO business there. Good way to get arrested going down there with a sign.
@Moon-howler
“They have been out there for 20 some years.”
OMG! Are you serious? Well, certainly, then, they ARE sincere. But what is it accomplishing besides creating a distraction? Isn’t it time for a new strategy? This one obviously isn’t working. I don’t mean that in a mean way. I just always question things like demonstrations, which is ironic, because when I was younger, I always envisioned myself taking part in one.
I don’t necessarily mean the same people. But there have been religious people out there since the clinic opened and they have been around 20 years.
I can’t address their strategy. I guess they feel if they change one mind, they have accomplished something. I really don’t know.
PAP, M-H is right they’ve been out there for two decades now.
Some of those people were holding prayer vigils in front of Annaburg Manor too over Hugh Finn’s right to die. I do believe these protesters are/were sincere. Here’s a little something on that case. Take a look at the campaigns she went up against. There are several other articles linked to this link.
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-608592.html
Don’t even get me started on that Hugh Finn case. I have never seen more butting in from outsiders in my life. GRRRRRR! Bob Marshall’s most UNfinest hour.