Protests get pushback after No Kings crowds

Large crowds swelled in front of Village Hall and the library in Mount Kisco on March 28 for the No Kings rally, prompting negative comments from some in the community. MARTIN WILBUR PHOTO

By MARTIN WILBUR

Complaints about the weekly Saturday protesters blocking the sidewalk and path to the Mount Kisco Public Library have filtered in to Mayor J. Michael Cindrich and caused some tension Monday evening at the Mount Kisco Village Board meeting.

Cindrich said he heard from multiple residents via email that on March 28 the sidewalks were full, calling some of the activity near the front of the library “disrespectful.” That was the day of the No Kings rally where an estimated 1,800 to 2,000 demonstrators turned out in what was the largest gathering since the protests started in Mount Kisco 14 months ago. Most weeks there are a few hundred people who show up.

The mayor said he received one correspondence from a mother who related to him that access to the library for her and her child was impeded. Complaints also mentioned the playing of loud music and the banging of drums.

When the protests were shifted from outside the Tesla dealership on Kisco Avenue to near Village Hall last summer, Cindrich said he was told it would be a mostly low-key event.

“But the point is I remember very well what was said and what was asked of me, if it would be appropriate at a low volume to allow an actor to read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and I couldn’t deny that,” Cindrich said. “But I never agreed to was a carnival atmosphere with music and dancing and whatever else is going on.”

Some online commenters have grumbled that many of the protesters are not Mount Kisco residents, that they cause a strain on the village, or that they are threatening and have used profanity.

But one of the regular protesters, Marianne Delaney of Bedford, said the demonstrators are welcomed when they spend money in the village, which they often do. Other allegations of cursing or spitting at those who disagree with them are false, she said.

“Many bad things are said about us here and on social media, but the same people say bad things about you, Mr. Mayor, and every single town official in this room tonight, including county police,” Delaney said. “We seek to be your allies in making this really peaceful and harmless for one hour a week. It’s just one hour a week.”

Organizer Fred Silverman, also of Bedford, thanked Cindrich and village officials for providing the space and for seeing that there are police nearby. However, most of the 100 to 150 regulars are elderly, he said.

“We are a very decent group of people and we’re concerned about the direction of the country, and that’s really why we’re here every week,” Silverman said. 

Tensions rose just before the end of the meeting, when resident Lou Terlizzi gave a very different account.

“Every Saturday, blocking sidewalks and blocking traffic in the roadway, again, on the busiest shopping day of the week,” Terlizzi said. “The protests have gotten larger and louder over time.”

He then accused some of the protesters of hoping for the assassination of President Donald Trump, which drew immediate shouts of condemnation from the demonstrators who attended Monday’s meeting. Cindrich immediately adjourned the meeting for the night.

Earlier in the evening, Trustee Tom Luzio said he took umbrage with how the protesters have been characterized on social media and previously spoken about at meetings. 

“They are exercising their First Amendment rights, paying for parking, paying for tickets if they stay over, and if any of you are in town, you’ll notice that they’re throughout our restaurants and stores before and after,” Luzio said. “So it’s a financial benefit for this town.”

The demonstrators have agreed to relocate when there are village events in front of Village Hall or the library. In the spring and fall, there are several events scheduled for that location on Saturday afternoons.