Mayor Quan planned to speak to #OccupyOakland's General Assembly tonight in the park occupiers have re-taken after being brutally evicted days ago. However, after being told that she would need to wait her turn in line, just like everyone else must do, the Mayor left the General Assembly.
The General Assembly began very emotionally, with many veterans speaking, including Josh Shepherd, the veteran who was standing with Scott when he was injured, and those who saved him in the street and cared for him in the hospital. This concluded with chants of "I am Scott Olsen" as Mayor Quan looked on in the distance.
Below is the powerful video from the General Assembly's candle-light vigil at which the veterans spoke:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
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Regarding Quan's absence, this is the Mayor's Tweet just after she left City Hall without speaking to the protesters:
I was told I could speak at the speak out but that was cancelled. Hoping to speak at the general assembly tonight
Translation: I left when I decided not to wait my turn on stack at the General Assembly.
KCBS news in Oakland is confirming that the Mayor left City Hall, where she was waiting, without saying a word:
After saying she would speak to at least 1,000 people at the Occupy Oakland protest, Mayor Jean Quan has left City Hall without talking.
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Author's Note 1: Thanks to marigold, here is the Mayor's prepared statement:
October 27, 2011
Mayor Jean Quan’s Statement to Occupy Oakland
I had hoped to speak directly to you tonight. I was told that I could speak at the Speak Out at 6 pm, but that was cancelled. So I apologize for providing these remarks in written form. I am deeply saddened about the outcome on Tuesday. It was not what anyone hoped for, ultimately it was my responsibility, and I apologize for what happened. Today I visited Scott Olsen and his parents because I was concerned about his recovery. And I hope we will keep them all in our prayers.
We have started an investigation into the use of force, including tear gas, on Tuesday.
I cannot change the past, but I want to work with you to ensure that this remains peaceful moving forward. When there’s violence, there are no winners – it polarizes us and opens old wounds rather than brings us together, which is the aim of Occupy Wall Street and uniting the 99%.
We are a nation in crisis. Oakland more than most cities faces budget cuts, unemployment and foreclosures. We are also a Progressive city. And as a long-time civil rights activist and union organizer I want my City to support the movement.
Thank you for last night’s peaceful protest. I will continue to order a minimal police presence. I need you to maintain a nonviolent attitude towards people, business owners, and homeowners around City Hall. I hope you will consider starting a dialogue with the small businesses around City Hall that you impact.
We pledge to work with Occupy Oakland and Occupy Wall Street, but we need to ask for four things:
1) We understand that some members of Occupy Oakland want to meet with me and Chief Jordan. We agree. We need to have direct communications between city staff and your representatives.
2) We need you to maintain healthy and safe conditions where you gather.
3) We need our public safety employees to have access when there is an emergency.
4) We are asking you not to camp overnight. Frank Ogawa Plaza is open for free speech activities between 6 am and 10 pm.
We can change America and but we must unite and not divide our city. I hope we can work together.
Mayor of Oakland
Jean Quan
Author's Note 2: Here is the announcement on the Mayor's scheduled appearance from The Bay Citizen:
Mayor Jean Quan plans to speak at Occupy Oakland’s General Assembly Thursday night at 7p , The Bay Citizen has learned.
She will wait her turn in line like everyone else, sources say.
Occupy Oakland also invited interim police Chief Howard Jordan to the meeting, Josh, a “facilitator” for the group, said. But Occupy Oakland said Jordan would not be allowed to wear his uniform.
When asked if he planned to go with the mayor to the General Assembly, Jordan said, “I don’t think I’ll be welcome.”