A lot of this is being orchestrated by our City Manager Miranda who fancies himself a behind the scenes mover and player. He personally, as Chief of Police cost the City millions in law suits, some of which are still playing out in court. He and the City Attorney have for years covered for each other (just Google it for details).
Tucson, while having one of the smaller Occupies in the nation, has had one of the highest arrest counts nationally. Under the previous City Council and lame duck Mayor, the police were used to try to force the people to do as the Council saw fit…to NOT protest. The Occupy forces have stated that they will plead not guilty to all charges and thus tie up our already over burdened courts. A vast majority will also demand a public defender. The court costs and the defender contracts alone will cost far, far more than the highest fine the courts can impose thus costing the City a large sum. Where is the logic in this considering today’s economy and City Budget? Considering the bad reputation our state has due to Brewer, Arpaio and Pierce how about letting people express their Constitutional rights and ALLOW the Occupy protests?  One hopes our new Council and Mayor see this oppertunity and run with it while at the same time bringing under control the out of control City Manager and Attourney.
@RRowleyTucson on Twitter