Posted on 07/29/2006 6:08:02 AM PDT by LA Woman3
While Cindy Sheehan’s purchase of five acres in Crawford might make her anti-war protests go more smoothly next month, it won’t affect a lawsuit that she and others have filed to contest McLennan County’s new parking and camping ordinances.
Attorneys for Sheehan and McLennan County will square off Thursday in Waco’s federal court, with both sides seeking temporary injunctions from U.S. District Judge Walter S. Smith Jr.
Sheehan and her followers want to block the county from enforcing its ordinances against parking, camping and erecting portable toilets along roads leading to President Bush’s Prairie Chapel Ranch.
County commissioners are seeking a temporary injunction to keep the protesters from violating those restrictions.
“Legally, I don’t know if (Sheehan’s purchase) changes anything,” said Waco attorney Mike Dixon, who represents the county. “Practically, it may change some things for the better. It gives them a place to rally with parking on private property, but legally it doesn’t change anything.”
Fort Worth attorney David Broiles, who represents Sheehan’s group, said the lawsuit will continue because the protesters consider Camp Casey I, the original spot where Sheehan pitched her tent two years ago, meaningful ground.
“The lawsuit is not to achieve a venue where we can have large gatherings,” he said. “It is only to be able to re-create the small gatherings with some tents and porta-potties and parking.
“All the big activities will be at another venue, but Camp Casey I is an important symbol to us, and it is on the road to the president’s ranch. That is where Cindy first set up, and we have a right to protest there. The only issue is, can we have toilets, parking and small tents?”
While the courtroom battle remains, some officials are cautiously optimistic that Sheehan’s property purchase on State Highway 317 will ease traffic congestion problems that plagued area residents last summer and prompted the county to pass the new ordinances.
Crawford Police Chief Donnie Tidmore said his agency might experience increased pressure with Sheehan’s property being within the city limits. However, he said the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies have always been there to help his officers when needed.
“It will all depend on what they try to do,” Tidmore said. “We have zoning ordinances in place that could be affected, but it all just depends on them. I’m not sure what they are anticipating or how many people they expect.”
Sheriff Larry Lynch said his agency is hoping for the best.
“I just don’t know what will happen until they get in out there and get set up,” Lynch said. “We don’t know their intentions at this point or what kind of plans they have.”
Ping!
"It is only to be able to re-create the small gatherings with some tents and porta-potties and parking"
Most important - porta-potties
Rope-a-Dope, baby!
I can perhaps see problems with trying to totally restrict parking on public roadways because of its temporal nature, but placing large, non-roadway items in the ROW? The area in question is all roadside ROW, yes?
Sorry, Cindy, but cities and counties can (and do) enact any sort of arbitrary zoning regulations they like. It's one of the main bastions of totalitarianism in the USA. I looked at the local codes for my city (Sandy, Ut) one day and was amazed to learn that it it illegal for me to throw a party with more than 8 guests. It is illegal for a friend of mine, in another city, to have a window mounted swampcooler.
Too bad, Cindy.
Hey! We lived in Sandy for 4 years (1986-1990). We were on Paulista Way. Beautiful country! Miss the brunches at La Caille.
At the last minute, W should go to Maine instead..
Sure she has the property..that doesn't mean anyone has to give her a building permit until...say...January 20, 2009.
People in Texas by in large don't aid and abet traitors.
haha, wouldn't it be funny if eminent domain was used against a Leftie troublemaker, for a change?
That land looks great for the new Crawford County Fairgrounds where, once a year, the new Freedom Fair can be held. The rides and attractions should be a be enough to draw in people from Waco too.
The local govt. should immeatiatly file for eminent domain .
Their intentions are the downfall of the US.
See my post #48 at
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1674208/posts
She plans to donate it for a "peace" park bearing Casey's name.
I understand it will be a Pig farm . The first Pig has already been there. In Novenber will the Republicans be saying , Thank you Cindy as they did to Mike Moore ?
Whenever I hear about the woman who is abusing her status as
mother of a slain soldier buying property near the Bush
ranch-- I am reminded of how so many Republicans spoke about our Impeached Mr.Bill.(while he was in Office.Then --
once he was a former President and cozing up with George Bush Sr. They all seem good buds. How long will it be before Laura is bringing chocolate chip cookies over to greet windy Cindy? Crawford being the Republican town it
claims--maybe they can take the wind out of her sails--if
she stays home -of course.
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