An olive branch of peace
At last evening’s County Legislature meeting, during the public hearing, The Reverend Frank Florence was escorted to the podium by Bob Bonn, who was bearing olive branches. It soon became apparent what the purpose of this bouquet was. From WHAM channel 13 News:
Community activist, The Reverend Frank Florence, literally extended an olive branch of peace to Republican County legislators Tuesday night.
Florence also asked legislature president Wayne Zyra for a meeting next Thursday.
Florence said a potential lawsuit against the County Legislature for violating open meeting laws is on hold, pending that meeting.
The only Republican to refuse the olive branch was Dick Yolevich from Parma.
Here, we see Bob Bonn handing an olive branch to each Legislator on the Republican side. Yolevich is the guy slouched in the back row. He turned his head away when the branch was extended to him.
Others who spoke on this issue last night were:
- Brighton Supervisor, Sandy Frankel-It’s time to rebuild bridges to restore dialog for future selection of the Public Defender.
- Gary Pudup, from the Civil Liberties Union-When leaders of the faith community are arrested when trying to speak at a public forum this is contrary to the spirit and intent of the constitution.
Will a truce be called? Can we have a do-over? Only time will tell.
update:Â You can see some great “attitude” pics over at sconsetmonkey. (photos courtesy of best photographer in Rochester-thanks again Monkey-man)
They don’t call him Dick for nothing.
Ah yes, another great white Dick living up to his name! (Check out http://www.sconsetmonkey.com)
I don’t think that this peace will last longer than the next time the Repubs need to jam something through.
Just curious - where does one buy an olive branch in Rochester?
I’m sure they went on line to order them.
The Internet, where one can buy anything, even an olive branch.
Are you trying to say that Wegmans doesn’t sell Olive branches? I thought they sold everything
Ahh, the beloved Wegman’s-I didn’t check there, but you may have a point. If it can’t be found at Wegman’s-it doesn’t exist! I just called a local florist.
Can you buy a roadkill toupe at Wegman’s?
Is there a Wegman’s in Parma?
I have so much respect for Rev. Francis Florence. I did some reading on this man, and he has an incredible legacy of standing up for what he believes in. His actions are from his soul - and I really think that he and Rev. Scott BOTH deserve some time in the RT spotlight so that this community can know of the hard work and efforts of these two men have brought to their life’s calling for our community. Over 100 combined years of standing up for what you believe is an incredible legacy.
I’d LOVE to see RT interview both gentlemen, and in the process, help those in suburbia unaware of not only the issues important to the Public Defender issue are, but also the difference 2 men have made in their lifetimes.
I understand why David Gantt stands proudly with them during the “arrest” at the County Legislature meeting. I would too.
About Reverend Florence (I think this is one and the same):
http://www.library.rochester.edu/index.cfm?page=882
nice find-thanks
Oh, you mean this slouch?
http://sconsetmonkey.com/2008/03/body-language-031108.html
Nice pictures, as always Sconsetmonkey. I really like the last one - powerful.
I like your blog as well - nice take on the Moby!
Yes, the very same Dick!
When Bob Bonn started to hand out the olive branches Legislator Yolevich waved and shook his head at President Zyra signaling him to not accept the peace offering.
Yolevich has a bad attitude.
I wonder if he’s ever been to the city except to attend leg meetings and Maggie’s Ball?
[...] own. Monroe County Legislature Public defender meetings violates the open meeting law while an olive branch is extended and, in one, case [...]