Group is against Governor's proposed budget
TRAVERSE CITY -- More than 100 people are planning to rally in front of Horizon Bookstore in downtown Traverse City this weekend. For Laurie Gabel, a retired teacher, it's a first.
Laurie Gabel says, “I'm not a political activist kind of person, but there are times where you can't be quiet any longer."
This week, thousands of protestors have been in Lansing protesting Governor Rick Snyder's budget plan that includes cuts to education and new taxes for seniors.
Beth Milligan, a Traverse City resident who was part of a group that took a bus from Northern Michigan to Lansing for the rallies on Wednesday.
She says, “The purpose is to try and bring the energy that was in Lansing back into our own community."
While in Lansing 14 people were arrested for refusing to leave the capitol building leaving some to wonder what rights protestors have at rallies.
Attorney Gerald Chefalo says, "When individuals attempt to organize a protest or just want to gather peacefully to address issues with government, they can do so, but the rules vary city by city."
Traverse City does not require groups to obtain a permit or pay licensing fee to hold a rally, but he recommends letting city leaders know if a large crowd plans to gather.
Chefalo says, "This is a small town, a lot of protestors could shut down a major corridor of town, so that's a courtesy."
While groups have the right to peacefully assemble, hold signs, and cheer, they're not allowed to block traffic or prevent people from being able to walk by.
Chefalo says, "The problem comes when someone decides to get violent and interfere with access to businesses. You have a right to be heard, but not take over city. In that instant police can be involved."
