Mayor Responds to July 4 Parade Chair Restriction

Mayor David H. Rhome wants everyone to be assured: Council's was not meant to "dampen the festivities."

"The stance had to be taken for the safety of everyone," said Rhome, who oversees the Canonsburg Police Department in his capacity as mayor.

He said that Tuesday was partly consumed with conversations with both residents and members of the media—some whom have dubbed the issue 'Chairgate'—about the move, that restricts parade enthusiasts from placing their chairs out before 6 a.m. the day of the holiday.

Canonsburg Council on Monday voted 7-1 on the measure, with Joseph McGarry casting the only no vote, saying that it could cause a "stampede" the day of the parade.

Rhome acknowledged that his first thought was to restrict the placement of chairs on Pike to 48 hours before the parade—which would still allow for events such as the Parade of Chairs contest.

And he was clear: It wasn't the chairs as much as the way residents secured them with rope, chains and caution tape, something that he said could cause problems if an emergency were to occur.

As for how the restriction will be handled? He said any chairs placed out next year before the permitted time will be collected by the police department. Code enforcement and public works employees may also be called upon to remove chairs, Rhome said.

"At that point it is considered abandoned property," Rhome said.

For those who oppose the restriction?

"If people feel adamant about this, they need to go before council and let their voices be heard," he advised. "This is a democracy."