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Randy Cain, Ward 1, discussed the "ninja" iconography adopted by many in the Occupy Eugene <br />movement. He said language and symbols were continually redefined by succeeding generations. He had <br />initially been opposed to the use of the ninja iconography,and the combination of the old and new <br />meanings. However, Mr. Cain believed the iconography was meant as a metaphor, not as advocacy for <br />violence. He asked the council to keep that in mind. <br />Jennifer Frenzer, Ward 2, discussed the evolution of the local Occupy movement and said that the <br />movement would continue to work on behalf of its neighbors and other citizens who had issues that <br />needed the assistance of a large number of people to move forward. She discussed some of the activities <br />of Occupy Eugene, its work with other Occupy cities, and its committee structure. She believed the <br />Occupy movement brought awareness to initiate reforms and reclaim the democratic process from <br />moneyed interests. She said Occupy Eugene looked forward to building bridges with all the councilors. <br />Zachary Waddell, Ward 1, suggested that residents had surrendered their authority to the council. <br />People did not understand their liberty was in direct proportion to the responsibility they were willing to <br />assume for themselves. He believed it was up to the citizens, not the councilors, to meet the needs of the <br />community. However, people had been "bought off and manipulated" and had sacrificed human <br />connection for less responsibility and comfort. People were complicit in the crimes of the wealthy <br />because they continued to work and consume. Mr. Waddell asked people to imagine an alternative to the <br />profit motive. People could share their best ideas for free. The products of their labor could be made to <br />last and be easily repaired. Advertising and its creation of false needs would be abolished. He said the <br />only legitimate authority could be found in the people. Consensus, rather than representative democracy, <br />was the only legitimate democracy. He acknowledged it would be a challenge to shift to a consensus - <br />based system. <br />Mayor Piercy closed the Public Forum. She determined from City Manager Jon Ruiz that he would <br />follow -up in regard to Ms. Stacey's inquiry as soon as possible. <br />Councilor Farr said he visited the Occupy Eugene encampment and talked to many Occupiers and had not <br />felt threatened personally by Occupy Eugene, but his granddaughter had wondered why he appeared on a <br />deck of cards as the 3 of Diamonds and felt personally threatened by it. He found it offensive, <br />threatening, and outrageous. He could not understand what prompted someone to create such a depiction <br />and suggested it was both cowardly and "off -the- charts" ridiculous. <br />Councilor Brown thanked the advocates for goats for the information they provided and anticipated the <br />council would hold a work session soon. He thanked the participants of Occupy Eugene for attending and <br />for keeping their issues before the council. He said the task force met the next day and he hoped it could <br />develop long- and short-term solutions. Speaking to the resolution on corporate personhood, Councilor <br />Brown anticipated the council would discuss that soon. <br />2. CONSENT CALENDAR <br />A. Approval of City Council Minutes <br />- October 19, 2011, Work Session <br />- November 14, 2011, Work Session <br />- November 14, 2011, Regular Meeting <br />- November 16, 2011, Work Session <br />- January 5, 2012, State of the City <br />B. Approval of Tentative Working Agenda <br />MINUTES— Eugene City Council January 23, 2012 Page 3 <br />Work Session <br />