Mike Moore Communications Coordinator Office of the Mayor 610 437-7653 office 610 437-8730 fax moorem@allentowncity.

org

NEWS RELEASE
December 16, 2011 For Additional Information Please Contact: Mike Moore Communications Coordinator 610-437-7653

Statement of Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski on the Closing of the Occupy Allentown Camp
Since the beginning of Occupy Allentown, it has been my objective to balance the protesters right of free speech, with keeping the city safe. We have attempted to strike that balance on a daily basis. While our constitution requires city governments to facilitate speech by citizens, we also have the authority and responsibility to regulate associated behaviors on behalf of the public in accordance with, and pursuant to, the laws of the city. The city has allowed Occupy Allentown considerable time to share its messages with the public, for which they do not have the required permits. Notwithstanding, the encampment has continued to expand and has now caused the city to seek compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. The City of Allentown today shutdown the 7th & Hamilton streets encampment. City police officers ordered the occupants to remove their belongings. Items that were not removed by the owners are being held at the City of Allentown Garage. Owners can claim their property by calling the Allentown Police Department Property Office at 610-437-7687 Monday through Friday between the hours of 6am and 4pm. Occupy Allentown is welcome to continue to share its message in our city in accordance with the rights granted by the constitution, provided it is done so in a lawful manner balancing the rights of all involved. I support the protesters call for jobs for a strong middle class and am working on projects everyday to bring these jobs to Allentown.

To the broader community, I want to thank you for your understanding and support of the approach we have taken to balancing the right of free speech with the need to provide for the health, safety and general welfare of our city. --30--

City Hall 435 Hamilton Street Allentown, PA 18101-1699 An Equal Opportunity Employer Hearing Impaired TTY 610 437-7551 Printed on Recycled Paper