Tim Niles is a founding member of Livable Raleigh and has been a resident of Raleigh for over 30 years.
At the November 14, 2023 City Council meeting he delivered these public comments:
Good evening.
As of tonight the downsized annual Christmas parade is only four days away.
Last week the City Manager delivered a statement described as “taking accountability” for the turmoil that started with the abrupt cancellation of the parade.
What was not provided was an explanation that provided any actual details.
First and foremost there was no explanation for why the City hid behind the grief of the Brooks family as their excuse for the cancellation when no one ever spoke to the family.
Next, the City Manager described what action will be coming without any description of what action, if any, has already taken place.
She said:
-
- This work will involve a thorough evaluation of all our processes from point of application to day of the event.
- We will also seek out best practices from organizers of some of the largest, most complex parades across the country.
- We will engage with event organizers to get on the same page moving forward.
- Our goal is to have the guidelines in place early next year to resume parade season with St. Patrick’s Day.
This is a good plan.
It could have been a GREAT plan.
If it had started last December.
But, everything is in the future tense.
If this work can start now and be completed before March, why wasn’t it started last December and completed in time for this year’s parades?
There’s been no answer.
If you are going to include event organizers, why have you denied every request they have made to meet with you this year to review their updated safety protocols?
There’s been no answer.
None of this work had to wait until now to begin. But, no reason has been given for the delay.
Raleigh deserves better!
Raleigh deserves answers!
If you appreciate the kind of reporting we bring to you
|
Please donate $10 or $20, Thanks for supporting |
 |