OCCUPY OLYMPIA REMOVAL REQUESTED

November 11, 2011

State asks for voluntary removal of tents from Heritage Park

The Washington Department of Enterprise Services is asking for your cooperation in the voluntary removal of tents at Heritage Park.

Recent concerns about safety and health at the park are the reasons behind this request. The escalating public safety concerns that the department is encountering demonstrate that the Occupy Olympia activity is no longer sustainable in its current form at the park.

Recent incidents include violent behavior by some individuals, illegal use of drugs and alcohol and arrests associated with these activities. Health concerns have also been raised given the increasing number of individuals using park facilities. These are risks to those staying in the park and the greater community as well.

Enterprise Services has contacted local social-service organizations that are willing to assist those at the park who are in need of or desire access to shelter, food aid and health care.

Enterprise Services is committed to the protection and accommodation of First Amendment free-speech activities on the Capitol Campus. That is a paramount responsibility in the department’s visitor and citizen access program and as the chief steward of the campus grounds and buildings.

The department will continue to work with all groups or individuals who wish to express their Constitutional right to free speech on the Capitol Campus.

The department and its agency partners respectfully request that collaboration and cooperation continue to a safe conclusion of the activities at the park.

Thank you for your consideration.

Joyce Turner
Director
Washington Department of Enterprise Services

SHELTON BLOG NOTE:

Link to Washington State Department of Enterprise Services:
http://des.wa.gov/