Stadium protesters confront City Council President

Angry protestors met in front of Minneapolis City Hall Thursday to protest the city buying in to the Vikings stadium financing plan as the issue was considered by a committee of the entire council. The financing passed seven to six, and the decision was confirmed in a final action on May 25.

Protestors objected to the mayor and council's refusal to put the issue to a city-wide vote, and to the council's priorities given the lasting tornado damage on the Northside and other civic needs.

In the video above, Minneapolis City Council President Barbara Johnson, a strong supporter of the City of Minneapolis Vikings stadium financing, tries to enter an elevator filled with anti-stadium protestors on their way to the council chambers and the mayor’s office. She is recognized and greeted with shouts of, “Shame on Johnson.” She then abandons the elevator and takes the stairway down.

Council members Cam Gordon and Gary Schiff, both vocal opponents of the plan, addressed the group as well. They are are two of the six council members who oppose the seven member majority. Their objections included the referendum and priority issues, as well as the legality of the move since the state legislature enacted a law requiring cities to submit similar issues to a referendum vote.

Cam Gordon described the decision as, “Fiscally irresponsible.”

Gary Schiff called it, “Corporate welfare for a company that employs hundreds of people in one city.”

The group moved into City Hall and up to the council chambers and Mayor Rybak’s office; both were closed but messages were left.

Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

900 S. 5th St.

Minneapolis, MN 55415

Phone: 

612-335-3336

http://www.msfc.com

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