Civic Center Park has always been - and should always be - a haven for free speech. But the First Amendment does not protect those intent on destroying property or depriving others of their rights. Urban parks are not built for long-term habitation, and current city ordinances prohibit the vandalism, property damage, littering, public access obstruction, open-air drinking and drug usage, curfew violations, and public health/sanitation concerns currently on display at the encampment in Civic Center Park. While these are no doubt unintended consequences of what began with well-intentioned demonstrators - they are consequences which the taxpayers of Denver will no longer accept. Denver taxpayers invested $9.5 million in the recent restoration of Civic Center Park, and we want our park back.

If you have not already seen this video from CBS4 Denver, please watch: http://denver.cbslocal.com/2011/12/18/some-occupy-protesters-trash-civic-center-park-on-purpose/