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Joint Press Conference Condemns Proposed South Bend Legislation as Anti-Democratic

Writer's picture: Logan FosterLogan Foster

Redress South Bend—Black Lives Matter South Bend, the St. Joseph County Libertarian Party, and other local organizations convened at a joint press conference to vehemently oppose two proposed ordinances, which they describe as measures to restrict democratic participation and silence public dissent. The press conference, held Monday, brought together voices from across the political spectrum who shared a unified message condemning the South Bend Common Council's proposed Bills 72-24 and 73-24.


Proposed Legislation Sparks Outrage

The proposed ordinances, introduced by Council President Sharon McBride and At-Large Member Karen White, aim to reform public participation rules and restructure council operations. Ordinance 72-24 would prohibit repeated points made by preceding speakers during the “Privilege of the Floor” portion of meetings, and bar the public from addressing individual council members. Ordinance 73-24 seeks to reduce the number of standing committees from eleven to seven and revoke the voting rights of citizen members on these committees.


Critics argue these measures are designed to suppress public dissent and consolidate council power. Two bills that we feel are draconian and that are really anti-democratic and that limit the participation of the public in the legislative process,” said Jordan Giger, co-founder of Black Lives Matter South Bend. This is a continuation of a pattern of practice among council members to try to silence members of the public who express opposition to some of the ways in which the council votes and some of their behavior they engage in within their capacity as elected officials.

Jorden Giger, Black Lives Matter

Former Second District Council Member Henry Davis Jr. strongly criticized the proposals, arguing they contradict the democratic principles council members pledged to uphold upon taking office. He stated, “This is in direct conflict with the public process itself. A public body telling the people they cannot participate publicly undermines the very essence of democracy.” Davis emphasized the need for more public engagement and accountability, calling for the involvement of civil rights organizations like the ACLU to challenge these measures. Expressing deep concern, he labeled the proposed changes "insane" and a move towards silencing opposition.


Retrogression of Public Discourse

Tim Cotton, SJC Libertarian Chair

Several speakers highlighted how the ordinances would restrict public engagement and create barriers to transparency. Tim Cotton, chair of the St. Joseph County Libertarian Party, labeled the legislation a cowardly move to remove any real power citizens have to hold government officials accountable.Addressing the removal of citizen voting rights in standing committees, Cotton stated, Citizens on these committees would be reduced to mere figureheads, given the illusion of power to enact change while being subservient to Common Council members. This not only diminishes the influence of the people in local governance but also erodes the accountability of elected officials. He further likened the Council's actions to “autocratic tendencies” seen on the national stage, adding, democracy thrives when citizens are actively involved and their voices are heard. We will not move backward by allowing barriers to be erected between the government and the people it serves.


Historical Context and Concerns

The proposed reforms also resurfaced concerns about transparency and trust in the current council leadership. Giger recounted past actions perceived as efforts to stifle public criticism, citing a controversial disclaimer introduced in 2021 limiting speech during Council meetings. Giger expressed concern that the new ordinances are a continuation of this pattern, particularly under McBride’s leadership.


“These two bills feel like muzzles,” said Tiana Batiste-Waddell, a member of Black Lives Matter. It feels as if we're being muzzled by people in power that are supposed to be there for the people.

Andrew Pierce, MAARPR

Andrew Pierce, of the Michiana Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, framed the issue within a broader national context of democratic erosion. I don't think it will come as a surprise to anyone that democracy is in trouble in the world. he said. Pierce warned that limiting public input only fosters further alienation from government processes.


Voice from the Political Left

Peter Loutzenhiser, Co Chair - NIDSA

Peter Loutzenhiser, co-chair of the Northern Indiana Democratic Socialists of America, raised concerns that public ignorance is being exploited to push these measures forward. Democracy isn't this inherent trait that you have simply by putting the right party in power or the right individuals in the right offices... Democracy is a process. he said. weaponizing the technical rules of the Common Council to suppress citizen comment, that's not helpful to democracy. Loutzenhiser closed with a call for elected officials to reevaluate their allegiances. if they're going to call themselves Team South Bend, they need to actually represent South Bend, which currently they do not.


A Diversity of Voices in Solidarity

While the press conference featured perspectives from traditionally disparate groups, from libertarians to socialists, the unifying thread was a defense of democratic values and transparency. "Today, we stand united in anger and determination, despite our diverse backgrounds and perspectives, because we all recognize the fundamental importance of maintaining a government that is accountable to its people. We demand that the South Bend Common Council reject these ordinances and uphold the principles of transparency, citizen engagement, and democratic integrity.” stated Cotton. The speakers emphasized the potential consequences for future generations should these ordinances pass.


Next Steps

After the press conference, leaders called for sustained public pressure on council members to vote against the ordinances. Attendees also suggested involving organizations like the ACLU should legal challenges be necessary. The South Bend Common Council has not yet officially responded to the press conference or the accusations of anti-democratic practices.




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