It’s a “she said/she said.” The South Bend Council meeting in which the reparations resolution was to be discussed on Monday, Jan. 23, but was canceled because, according to Council President Sharon McBride, not enough legal notice was given about the meeting.

However, City Clerk Dawn Jones insists more than enough legal notice was given. She called the move another attempt by the council leaders to impede progress for the Black community. McBride called that statement “ludacris.”

Below is Jones’ full statement:

South Bend Common Council meeting is canceled tonight. Council President Sharon McBride claims City Clerk Dawn Jones violated Indiana Open Door Laws by not posting notice 48hrs in advance

Jones sent a press release suggesting this is another move by council members to avoid voting on a resolution calling for reparations

The resolution was tabled two weeks ago, with McBride citing filing technicalities

The Clerk’s Office released the meeting notice on Thursday, Jan 19, 2023, at 12:51 p.m., providing more than a 48-hour notice. Additionally, my office staff posted a copy of the notice in the Clerk’s Office, the principal office of the Common Council at that same time, 48 hours in advance. We have always and customarily posted these notices in the Clerk’s Office in accordance with IC 5-14-1.5-5(b). The Clerk’s Office is in the County-City Building where the meetings are held. The Office of the City Clerk also posted a notice of all the 2023 Regular Council Meetings. This Notice was released to the public on Tuesday, December, 13, 2022 and posted in the City Clerk’s office. Notice comported with Indiana law.

I wonder whether member(s) of the council are purposely trying to delay the vote of Bill No. 22-61. Bill No. 22-61 – A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, Calling for Reparatory Justice. It was properly noticed as a part of today’s agenda, but now delayed. It is my hope that City Council members and their contract employee running for City Clerk understand their role and duties to City of South Bend residents, and my hope is that they are not trying to dismiss the will of the voters. It is my job of the City Clerk, manager of the City legislative process, to ensure that elected officials carry out their duties through their processes, relationships, and an open government.