October 15, 2011 12:41 AM UTC

Hickenlooper vs. Brophy on Occupy Denver

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• by: Colorado Pols

Two statements follow–from Gov. John Hickenlooper, who gave the order yesterday to clear protesters from the Occupy Denver encampment in Lincoln Park this morning, and Sen. Greg Brophy, who emerged as Hickenlooper’s chief critic and led disparagement of the Occupy Denver protesters from the right in the last couple of days. Excerpts, Hickenlooper:

In the end, we worked with Occupy Denver to find a resolution that included constructive communication, many people voluntarily leaving the park, no violence and minimal arrests.

We understand the frustration voiced by demonstrators about the economy, the loss of jobs and dysfunction in Washington. That’s why we are intently focused on economic development in Colorado. Just this week the state saw two global companies make significant investments in Colorado that will add jobs and momentum to business development efforts happening throughout the state.

This kind of economic news doesn’t solve all of the issues raised by demonstrators this week, but it does show we all want the same thing: a healthy America where everyone can prosper.

And Brophy, via Tim Hoover of the Denver paper:

I believe elected officials should hear from groups that want to move further toward the big Euro-socialism style of government as well as the economic freedom and individual liberty view of the TEA Party. The more these views are clearly articulated the clearer the contrast will be for us and the American public.

Full text after the jump.

Gov. Hickenlooper statement on Occupy Denver

DENVER ­- Friday, Oct. 14. 2011 – Gov. John Hickenlooper today released this statement about the events last night in Lincoln Park in downtown Denver:

“The First Amendment and the rights it guarantees for free speech and assembly are critical to our democracy. These rights are what set the United States above all other nations. We also have rules and laws that must be followed.

“Demonstrators in Lincoln Park were told every day this week they could not camp in the park. Yet each day the number of tents grew. Last night, and after multiple requests to follow the law, the Colorado State Patrol intervened. State troopers and Denver police demonstrated extreme restraint and professionalism as they encountered a very difficult situation.

“We owe the Colorado State Patrol a great deal of gratitude for their work. We also greatly appreciate the efforts by state employees from the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Department of Personnel and Administration, as well as the support from the Denver Police Department and Xcel Energy.

“Some people are finding it easy today to criticize the state’s response this week to what is a national movement in many cities across the country. There were numerous jurisdictional and legal issues to work through before a clear course of action could be set. For example, the state does not have a jail nor does the state have direct prosecutorial authority for park violations. We needed the cooperation of other entities and wanted to be very deliberate and thorough in our response.

“In the end, we worked with Occupy Denver to find a resolution that included constructive communication, many people voluntarily leaving the park, no violence and minimal arrests.

“We understand the frustration voiced by demonstrators about the economy, the loss of jobs and dysfunction in Washington. That’s why we are intently focused on economic development in Colorado. Just this week the state saw two global companies make significant investments in Colorado that will add jobs and momentum to business development efforts happening throughout the state.

“This kind of economic news doesn’t solve all of the issues raised by demonstrators this week, but it does show we all want the same thing: a healthy America where everyone can prosper.”

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Brophy’s full statement:

The Colorado State Patrol and the Denver Police Department did an excellent job last night handling a dangerous situation; we should all be proud of them. The governor was finally forced to take corrective action against a group that was blatantly violating the law despite ‘sympathizing’ with them. As the saying goes, better late than never.

It’s important for people to understand that free speech is not just welcomed, but encouraged at the Colorado Capitol whether elected officials agree with you or not. We simply ask you not break the law in relaying that message to us and the public.

I believe elected officials should hear from groups that want to move further toward the big Euro-socialism style of government as well as the economic freedom and individual liberty view of the TEA Party. The more these views are clearly articulated the clearer the contrast will be for us and the American public.