This is a public comment given to the Normal Town Council on October 23th, 2024 in opposition to a proposed “nuisance ordinance.”
My name is Zachary Gittrich. I’ve always wanted to say this so I thank you for giving me this opportunity. I’m here tonight to fight for your right to party.
I did some research on the incidents that have been mentioned, and I was shocked—SHOCKED I say—to discover, that shooting someone is already illegal. It’s a very serious crime. I also discovered overly loud music, obstruction of streets, public consumption of drugs or alcohol, fights, vandalism, open burning, littering and disorderly conduct are also currently crimes or violations that can be punished. Did anyone here know of this?
I said I was shocked—SHOCKED—not because I didn’t already know these were crimes; I’m not a maroon after all. I was shocked because the city manager, corporate counsel, and police chief—all of whom I believe make six figures—seem completely unaware that these are crimes or violations, and they have the ability to use state violence to enforce them.
Town staff says this new ordinance is meant as a deterrence. But, you can just pass a resolution saying “No Tolerance” and order the police to enforce already existing laws. You could even call it the “You Meddling Kids” resolution. But, throughout my life, I’ve seen laws passed after horrible events like 9/11 and January 6th, only for those laws to be used to violate people’s civil liberties, including their 1st amendment rights. Town staff admitted these incidents are anomalies.
The police are always going to support more laws to increase their ability to use state violence and their power to manage & control populations.
I’m considering hosting a pop-up protest for the right to party. O, it would be a gloriously gay protest. We would be jovial and boisterous, and, dare I say, even exuberance. We would sing songs that would make men weep and women dance from the tippity top of the moon. And, none of you would be invited to our righteous protest if you pass this ordinance.
Thank you and Wu-Tang Forever!
