Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones briefly stopped by Kanawha Plaza Thursday afternoon for a polite but awkward exchange with Occupy Richmond protesters, warning them that he would soon send city representatives to discuss the legality of the occupation, which began Oct. 15.
"Welcome to our home," said Josh Kadrich, greeting Jones at the entrance to the plaza.
Jones briefly chatted with protesters before getting down to business.
"I've been lenient," he said to the group of dozens gathered around him. "I understand protests."
Jones was then interrupted, and informed by Kadrich that the encampment was not a protest, but rather "an occupation in protest, which is something distinctly different."
When Jones resumed speaking, protesters began shouting "mic check," which meant that members of the group could not hear him. They then began using the "people's mic," essentially shouting every few words that Jones uttered.
Jones then attempted to "invite your leaders" to come and meet with him to discuss the occupation, at which point he was informed that there were no leaders.
"You can come talk with me," he said. "That will allow us an opportunity to hear your concerns in a different kind of a context and to see if there are any ways that even we may be of assistance."
He added: "That being said, as mayor of the city I'm going to have to ensure that the laws of the city are enforced. We will send representatives to talk to you at some future date about that."
A section of the city's code makes it "unlawful for any person to camp, tent, encamp or quarter upon any public grounds, parks, playfields, playgrounds or any public property owned or maintained by the city."
In March, the code was used to break up a group of 20 anarchists and homeless people who had set up camp in Monroe Park near Virginia Commonwealth University for more than a week to bring attention to homeless issues. Eight people were charged with, and later convicted of, remaining in the park after dark.
Kadrich said that the occupiers were "following all legislation that we term to be wholly just." He added that if given an ultimatum to leave the plaza by a certain date, many protesters may exercise "civil disobedience."
After Jones' departure, some from the group approached David Hicks, an advisor to the mayor, to seek a temporary permit for use of the park from the parks and recreation director.
(This has been a breaking news update. Check back for more details as they become available. Read more in tomorrow's Richmond Times-Dispatch.)
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