Occupy Des Moines protesters have accepted an offer to relocate to a city park and likely averted the possibility of more arrests.
The group marched back to the capitol at 11 p.m. for a vigil, but when state troopers asked them to move across the street the group complied.
Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie presented the idea to the group’s general assembly Friday evening, just hours after the governor’s office declined to extend their permit to stay overnight on the grounds of the state capitol.
“One of the original purposes of parks was for people to gather. We want you to feel like you can gather,” Cownie told the crowd. “I want my police force out chasing the bad guys and arresting criminals.”
The city’s parks department issued the permit for seven days in Stewart Square, just blocks east of the capitol. Officials said the short time-frame was only because they hadn’t had time to discuss the matter with the local neighborhood association.
Cownie said he didn’t anticipate any problems and said it was likely the group would be able to remain there.
More than 30 people were arrested Sunday night for choosing to remain on capitol property after 11 p.m. After that, the state issued them a three-day permit, which expired Friday night. State officials had refused to extend the permit, setting up the possibility of more conflict with authorities.
But after an hour-long debate, the group voted to move their equipment and supplies to the one square block space.
“I think we will irreparably harm the movement if we don’t accept the offer and move tonight,” said Scott Kubie, who added the move would allow the group to focus on broader issues.
The discussion centered on one main question: Would moving compromise the group’s principles?
In the end, a majority of participants decided the move would be a positive opportunity to focus on the concerns that brought them out rather than constantly worrying about arrest.
Many at the meeting called the move a victory.
But others disagreed.
“This is in direct opposition to the concept of occupation,” said Justin Norman, who was arrested Sunday night. “This is looking more like a family camp-out to me.”
As soon as the general assembly adjourned, groups of people continued to discuss the decision, while several began loading tents into waiting trucks.
The group issued the following statement:
“Anytime the government is responsive to the will of the people, it is a victory. This move will allow us to refocus on the real enemy: corporate greed. Join us tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. as we march on the financial district.”
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