Charlotte is going to be chockful of protesters.
Via WBTV:
The Charlotte City Council voted 6-5 to approve bringing the 2020 Republican National Convention coming to the Queen City during a special meeting on Monday.
Mayor Vi Lyles, who called for the special meeting last week, said the purpose was to consider taking action regarding hosting the 2020 RNC. The action will be based on the Republican National Committee awarding Charlotte with the convention.
Ahead of Monday’s meeting, WBTV learned from multiple sources that there would be six “yes” votes at the meeting.
Council members Bokhari, Phipps, Eiselt, Mitchell, Larken and Driggs voted yes while Mayfield, Harlow, Winston, Ajmera, and Newton voted no.
There was also an open forum at the meeting to discuss the hosting the convention. Officials said 132 speakers signed up to speak. Each speaker was granted one minute to speak.
The meeting began at 2 p.m. at the Government Center in uptown. Charlotte Attorney Robert E. Hagemann outlined the city’s right to terminate the RNC contract by March 1, 2020, if the $50 million grant is not given. No city has ever had this right.[…]
Nearly an hour into the meeting, the speakers still seemed to be split right down the middle. Each gave a reason for their support or objection to bringing the convention to Charlotte.
Proponents argued the economic impact would be substantial, and it would be a chance to show our city off. Those opposed said it would be a safety issue and supporting a president with divisive rhetoric.
After all the speakers said their piece, the council members themselves voiced their opinions and voted “yes” or “no” to bringing the convention to Charlotte.
The council ultimately voted 6-5 to accept the 2020 RNC upon the committee’s approval.