After nearly half a year of debating and tabling Local Law C, a ban on the use of tear gas by Albany Police, the Common Council voted the legislation down tonight.
With 7 votes in support of the ban, 4 against, and 4 voting ‘present’, the ban did not pass the council — where it was expected to be vetoed by Mayor Kathy Sheehan anyway.
Albany Proper previously reported on the police responses during Black Lives Matter protests last year where police deployed chemical weapons and rubber bullets. Neighbors complained of the gas seeping into their homes at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the council switching back to online meetings, community members rallied on the steps of the City Hall to express their support for the ban.
Local activist Kasey Charles was speaking to the crowd when he was interrupted with vote results by others watching on mobile phones.
“This just in,” he said. “the ban on tear gas… it failed.”
“With four cowards voting present,” another rally-goer added.
BAN ON TEAR GAS FINAL RESULTS:
| YES | NO | PRESENT |
|---|---|---|
| Owusu Anane Ward 10 | Catherine Fahey Ward 7 | Richard Conti Ward 6 |
| Judy Doesschate Ward 9 | Jack Flynn Ward 8 | Alfredo Balarin Ward 11 |
| Ginnie Farrell Ward 13 | Joseph Igoe Ward 14 | Joyce Love Ward 3 |
| Sonia Frederick Ward 1 | Kelly Kimbrough Ward 4 | Michael O’Brien Ward 12 |
| Tom Hoey Ward 15 | ||
| Derek Johnson Ward 2 | ||
| Jahmel Robinson Ward 5 |
- Protomartyr and Fashion Club at No Fun – June 13, 2024
- Sheer Mag at No Fun – May 5, 2024
- Annual cover show brings Oasis, Queens of the Stone Age to Troy – February 17, 2024