Occupy Chicago and city officials will meet for the first time Thursday afternoon. Both sides say there is no specific agenda, but that they’re meeting to open up a dialog. Chicago’s Corporation Counsel is meeting with attorneys representing Occupy Chicago.
Cathy “Sugar” Russell is an Occupy spokeswoman.
“I think a realistic goal is an opening of communication lines. I think there’s a lot of people that are going to want an instant, the Mayor’s office giving us some place to occupy and have everything resolved. I just don’t think that’s realistic.”
Russell says the group’s leadership will discuss information from the meeting tonight and could decide on what actions to take next.
Spokesman Roderick Drew with the city’s law department says the city respects people’s right to exercise the First Amendment and will continue enforcing laws to protect public safety.
This past weekend, 130 people were arrested after protesters tried to camp out in Grant Park after closing time. Russell says she expects this weekend to be calmer.
