Statement on the Events Following Last Night's Meeting

Last night, after the Common Council discussion on the Bartillon Homeless Shelter, I attempted to leave the City-County Building with two other alders. At both exits, we were confronted by protesters urging me to reconsider my vote on Dairy Drive.

To deescalate the situation, I chose to stay and answer questions. I stood with about a dozen people for nearly an hour, listening to their concerns and attempting to answer questions. While I respect the right to protest and to engage in dialogue, the conversation shifted to a point where I felt like I couldn’t leave unless I agreed to what was being asked. When people in the crowd told me they’d find where I live, or would place stakes in my yard, I felt I had no choice but to agree under pressure.

The video circulated last night reflects a statement made under coercion, not a change of position. To be clear: I felt as long as I didn’t say the wrong thing and escalate tensions, my physical safety was not at threat, but I was deeply concerned for my privacy, my home, and those close to me. I stayed until I was the last person outside the building to ensure no one had the opportunity to follow me home.

No elected official should be put in a position where they feel unable to leave a public building without making promises under pressure. I will not be reconsidering my vote on Dairy Drive. What I said last night was an attempt to deescalate a tense situation, not a shift in my decision.