VESTAL, NY (WSKG) – Binghamton Democratic Chairwoman Teri Rennia has criticized Mayor Rich David for his comments after a protest that disrupted the city’s Columbus Day parade this week.
David said he supports the act of protesting, but called what happened disgusting.
Binghamton Mayor Rich David standing with law enforcement. David condemned a protest of Broome County jail inmate deaths that disrupted the Columbus Day parade. (Gabe Altieri/WSKG)
The protest was about the deaths of Broome County Jail inmates in recent years. Four people were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.
“Civil disobedience is a cornerstone of our democracy,” Rennia said in a statement on Facebook. “At times, it is divisive, controversial, and inconvenient.”
Rennia added David’s comments pull attention away from the Broome jail deaths and she called on him to focus on that.
The racial justice group PLOT, or Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow, was involved in the protest. David called them out specifically.
“Although, we may not always agree with their tactics and social media posts,” Rennia said, referring to PLOT. “We will not issue blanket condemnation of a group, particularly one led by people of color, that continues an American tradition of agitation and civil disobedience in the name of racial justice.”
Two people associated with PLOT, Salka Valerio and Aviva Friedman, are running for city council. Rennia defended them as outstanding candidates.