Capitol security tightened for protest

By BONNA de la CRUZ
Staff Writer

Metal detectors, street closures and specific public entrances to the
Capitol building are expected to be part of security when
lawmakers return Tuesday to try to override Gov. Don Sundquist's
budget veto.

Anti-tax demonstrators who came to the Capitol on July 12 to
oppose last-minute income tax negotiations are expected to return
Tuesday.

Last month's talks fizzled, and lawmakers approved a $19.6 billion
budget, which Sundquist vetoed.

''Our hope will be to come up with a compromise so people are
allowed to be a part of the process, but there is the understanding
that there is a certain decorum and behavior that will be expected,''
said Alexia Levison, Sundquist spokeswoman.

While some observers described the July 12 demonstration as a
family affair, with parents toting young children, others viewed the
event as out of control and intimidating.

Three windows in the Capitol were broken and chants of ''No Tax,
No'' disrupted the Senate session.

Spectators were not allowed in the public galleries because of the
noise.