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HOLYOKE — Meetings of the Holyoke City Council’s ordinance subcommittee are usually muted affairs, occasionally drawing more than just a few members of the public. But anyone on High Street Tuesday evening could see that that day’s ordinance meeting would be no ordinary affair.
A caravan of souped-up Jeeps flashed bright lights and blared Marc Anthony’s version of the classic Puerto Rican song “Preciosa,” expressing patriotic adoration and nostalgia for the island. Protesters were gathered to support a proposal to strike a 2017 rule that bars city employees — including two newly elected Hispanic councilors — from simultaneously being city councilors.
“I hope those in power hear the voice of the people,” said María Salgado Cartagena, one of those gathered in front of City Hall ahead of the subcommittee meeting. She held a sign that spoke to the issue in front of councilors that night: “Democracy spoke on Nov. 2. Izzie and Jenny yes.”
The sign referred to city councilors-elect Israel Rivera, the second-highest vote-getter in the at-large council race earlier this month, and Jenny Rivera, who won a decisive victory in Ward 1. Both are employees of the city’s school system, and both now face a likely challenge to their ability to take their seats on the council without first quitting their jobs.
Not sure High Street has ever been this turned up for a Holyoke City Council ordinance subcommittee meeting.
Protestors...
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