City Council News: Ultrasound bus denied parking permit, mayor trumps aldermen

By Jim Hagerty
Online Editor

After Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) issued a pro-life organization a one-day parking pass for its mobile ultrasound unit to occupy several spots last week, aldermen voted 8-6 against giving the firm a six-month permit at the Monday, April 25 meeting of the Rockford City Council.

For a second week, dozens of pro-life supporters were in attendance expecting a decision in their favor. Like last week’s outcome, the council decided against TLC Pregnancy Services’ request for an extension.

After the four-hour meeting, Morrissey told protesters, in spite of the council’s vote, he plans to issue the organization another one-day permit. He also guaranteed that the matter will be back in front of aldermen for another council vote.

Monday’s vote resulted in a political split, as Republicans voted in favor of TLC’s application. Democrats, including Karen Elyea (D-11), who represents the area where the mobile unit is often at the center of abortion protests, voted against it.

When in Rockford, the ultrasound unit is usually parked near the Northern Illinois Women’s Center, 1400 Broadway. Officials offer free ultrasounds and counseling for mothers coming to the center for abortions.

TLC Pregnancy Services, of Elgin, has been bringing the vehicle to Rockford since last fall, when it was issued a six-month parking pass which expired April 4.

The Rockford City Council meets in open session every Monday at 6 p.m. Meetings are in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, downtown.