DNC protests planned against the city of Charlotte

As the Democratic National Convention edges closer, many groups are already preparing protest plans for the event.

While the organizations plan to demonstrate for political reasons, some organizations also intend to express frustration with the city of Charlotte for maintaining secrecy on security matters.

The convention will be held at the Time Warner Cable Arena from Sept. 4 to Sept. 6. The DNC committee estimates that the convention will bring $150 million to the city.

Matthew Hickson, a senior at UNC, said he plans to attend the protests.

Hickson is a member of the UNC chapter of Students for a Democratic Society, which he said is looking to provide UNC students with transportation to the protest and convention.

He said the convention is a chance for students to discuss the interconnected issues that affect them, such as student debt, tuition increases, the financial crisis, climate change and immigrant rights.

“It’s important to have discussion unmediated,” he said. “Students don’t realize how connected their problems are.”

The group is among 60 organizations — from the Charlotte area and nationwide — that have formed the Coalition to March on Wall Street South, a protest group.

Occupy Charlotte member Michael Zytkow said his reasons for protesting include President Barack Obama’s use of drones overseas, wars and the mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

“These conventions have become cheerleading events for both parties, which don’t represent the people,” Zytkow said.

He questioned the city of Charlotte’s plan to spend a $50 million grant it received from the U.S. Department of Justice to cover costs relating to the event.

He said residents have a right to know what the police department is purchasing, since the equipment will stay in the city after the convention.

“It’s a classic way of power play that has gone on for ages,” Zytkow said. “You make the public afraid of something to the point where you can go about your activities without any oversight.”

The Charlotte City Council decided in Feb. 2011 to give City Manager Curt Walton oversight in all contracts related to the DNC rather than vote on security items purchased.

Security and safety is a major issue at the convention since tens of thousands of people will attend, Charlotte city council member Michael Barnes said.

He said the police would provide for traffic control, overall safety, and appropriate ways for groups to demonstrate and protest during the convention.

Brian Cunningham, spokesperson for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, said in an email that the city could not disclose how the money was spent.

“The means, methods, specific resources or numbers utilized to carry out protective responsibilities cannot be discussed,” he said.

Barnes said he believes the police will act fairly in maintaining peace at the convention.

“I have to have faith and confidence in CMPD (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department),” he said. “They’ve never indicated before that they want to create a police state or infringe on rights.”

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