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‘Rally for democracy’ planned in Silver Creek

OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen A rally in protest of the recent actions of the federal government is planned to take place in the Silver Creek Village Square on Aug. 28 from 3-7 p.m.

SILVER CREEK — The village of Silver Creek is more than 350 miles — or a six-plus hour drive away — from Washington, D.C., but for four hours later this month, a group of protesters plan to make their displeasure for the current federal regime echo throughout the village.

Martha Boutet and a group under the name of the Chautauqua Action Team will hold what is being described as a “rally for democracy” on Aug. 28 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Silver Creek Village Square and Gazebo. The group estimates between 50-75 people will attend. A loudspeaker will be used to ensure all speakers will be heard.

Boutet and two others spoke at a recent Silver Creek Village Board meeting about their plans for the event, for which they were seeking approval from the Village Board.

The guests described themselves as “law-abiding people” who seek to peacefully protest policies, ideas and actions recently taken by the federal government. The group hopes to “advocate for change” and to “raise awareness, build a solidarity in the community, and inspire action.” Similar events were held in Dunkirk and Fredonia earlier this year.

“We will be respectful. We have been respectful everywhere we’ve been. We are easy to talk to. We are into exchanging ideas with other people,” Boutet said.

Boutet claimed that people have expressed a desire to see the people “who believe that our democracy is important and we will speak up for it.”

Trustee Sandra Lindstrom was the first member of the Board to question the guests. She asked, “Why the Village?”

The group responded that they wanted a visible public space for the rally.

“We feel that these are the central locations in the villages and our towns. People know where these places are,” Boutet said. “… The Village Square is recognized as a wonderful place to meet.”

With Trustee Bill Barnes absent, only four members of the Board cast a vote. Lindstrom voted against the resolution, while the remaining members voted in favor, including Mayor Jeff Hornburg, who was the deciding vote.

In its approval, the Village Board added the stipulation that insurance must be provided by the group before the rally can proceed, as well as approval of the Village’s legal counsel. The Village does not want to be held liable for any damage caused by the event.

It is customary for proof of insurance to be provided at village functions, such as the Festival of Grapes. The group in attendance did not have insurance as of the time of approval at the recent meeting.

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