Pre-G20 Rally at the Point Nixed

State Senator Jim Ferlo of Highland Park says his application for use of Point State Park as a “free speech zone” before the G20 summit has been denied. Ferlo says police are planning to use the area next to the fountain as a helipad for security agencies. He says police may also apply to the state to allow them use of the Fort Pitt Museum as a public safety headquarters. Ferlo says as a board member of the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, there’s no way they would approve such an idea.

Ferlo says the decision “doesn’t leave much room” – he plans to team up with the American Civil Liberties Union and take his case to the Pittsburgh federal court early next week. He says it would be unfortunate to be forced to take demonstrations to the streets; earlier talks with police led him to believe using the Point would be a viable option.

Ferlo says a few similar efforts, such as a peaceful religious gathering and a demonstration from the Thomas Merton Center, have also had their permit requests denied.

Ferlo Asks for Public Forum Before G20

State Senator Jim Ferlo of Allegheny County says he’s applied for a permit to host a day-long public forum at Point State Park September 23, the day before the G20 summit begins. The event would bring together many religious, political and community organizations who have opinions about the G20 and related issues that they would like to make public. Ferlo says because of the Market Square construction, and restrictions in Mellon Square, Point State Park was the obvious choice.

The senator says the area’s recently renovated “living room” won’t be damaged by the proposed gathering. “I would suggest there’s probably more damage or abuse during a social regatta event than something that would be a large, mass gathering involving the politics and the policies of the G20,” says Ferlo.

Ferlo says he plans to speak at the event, addressing the need for “blue-green jobs” and his concern for the country’s economic direction and waning middle class. The senator continues to express concern about hiring and training out-of-state police officers for the summit.

Local Elected Official Hopes G20 Protesters will be Heard

Pennsylvania State Senator Jim Ferlo of Pittsburgh says, like many Pittsburghers, he is both “excited and concerned” by the announcement that the G20 summit is coming to the city in September. Ferlo says he is “excited” that the city will be able to show off all it has to offer as the world’s attention turns to Pittsburgh September 24th and 25th. He will even be leading a “green trolley tour” for reporters and dignitaries to highlight the region’s green development and industry efforts. The White House says Pittsburgh was chosen partially because of its ability to weather the current economic downturn and its history of bouncing back from the crippling of the steel industry. Ferlo is “concerned” that protesters will not be allowed to exercise their right to free speech. Ferlo is not a fan of the members of the G20. He harkens back to a line in the Arlo Guthrie tune “Pretty Boy Floyd” which includes the line, “Some will rob you with a six-gun, And some with a fountain pen.” Ferlo says the members of the G20 are the later. The Senator says there is a long list of reasons why people will want to protest outside the gathering and he says, “This is not exactly a group that is enamored to the quality of life of working people and those around the world who are disenfranchised.” Ferlo has contacted the city to ask that the protesters be allowed to be near the convention center rather than corralled on the northside or at station square. He has suggested that the protesters be allowed to gather on Liberty Avenue from 10th to the bussway. That would allow the secrete service to set up a secure perimeter around the convention center but allow the protesters to be close enough to be seen and heard. Ferlo says he would like to see a stage and sound system to allow the protesters to get out their messages. In the past, peaceful G20 protests have turned destructive with ralliers breaking into buildings and destroying property. Ferlo says if police respect the protesters' first amendment rights he thinks the event will remain peaceful. Ferlo says the city needs to open its arms not only to the members of the G20 but also those who have opposing views.