First, I want to commend the folks here in this room tonight, or watching the live feed at home. (Oh wait, there’s no live feed) Thank you for looking out for your neighbors, you are a credit to this community.
Council, the RDDC has not made their case for this BID legislation. Period.
If you vote to approve this legislation tonight, you are doing so without informing the community of its potential impact. You are doing so without appropriately exploring other options. And you are doing so against the will of the people you represent.
One forum is not sufficient. Especially when you, Councilmember Patterson, you proceeded while denying a constituent their federal right to an interpreter, and the forum was cut off from online access.
Council, if you vote yes tonight, you will be complicit in the steamrolling of democracy in Rochester. You will have elevated the wants of the wealthy over the voices of the marginalized.
The RDDC has mentioned that the process going forward will be transparent. I’d suggest starting right now council. Prior to this vote please be sure to disclose any possible conflicts of interest you may have through campaign donations, employment or otherwise.
Thank you.
NOTE: Introductory 255 was approved 7-3, Council Members Smith, Martin & Lupien in the minority