Ferlo Asks for Public Forum Before G20

State Senator Jim Ferlo of Allegheny County says he’s applied for a permit to host a day-long public forum at Point State Park September 23, the day before the G20 summit begins. The event would bring together many religious, political and community organizations who have opinions about the G20 and related issues that they would like to make public. Ferlo says because of the Market Square construction, and restrictions in Mellon Square, Point State Park was the obvious choice.

The senator says the area’s recently renovated “living room” won’t be damaged by the proposed gathering. “I would suggest there’s probably more damage or abuse during a social regatta event than something that would be a large, mass gathering involving the politics and the policies of the G20,” says Ferlo.

Ferlo says he plans to speak at the event, addressing the need for “blue-green jobs” and his concern for the country’s economic direction and waning middle class. The senator continues to express concern about hiring and training out-of-state police officers for the summit.