EDITORIAL: At Least There Is One Mayor Trying to Address the Panhandling Issue
Thursday, October 06, 2016
The issues of homelessness, mental health, crime, drug abuse, unemployment, and lack of support for veterans are all complex and in many cases intertwined with the collapse of our poverty safety net.
One of the outcomes is the growing issue of panhandling. Too many leaders are ignoring the issue and letting it grow and create a disincentive to tourism, investing in neighborhoods, and increasing public safety issues.
Cranston Mayor Allan Fung deserves credit for working with former Providence Mayor Joe Paolino in seeking out a solution to one portion of the problem — the safety problem created both for panhandlers and drivers.
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The ordinance that Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza refuses to endorse, promotes public safety by prohibiting people from passing things in and out of an automobile. This will help to discourage drug trade, solicitation of prostitutes, panhandling and also sports leagues from encouraging children to fundraise from cars.
Fung and Paolino have taken an ordinance developed in communities across the country — that has faced and withstood a federal court challenge by the Klu Klux Klan — and offered a smart reform. Cities like Charleston, SC have implemented the statute. That city is considered one of the best in America.
The issues of poverty, drug addition, and homelessness will take energy, commitment and resources to correct. But, ignoring the problem of panhandling is immoral.
People pleading at -- and in-- intersections for money is dehumanizing, and not safe for all involved. We can and need to do better.
Thank you to Paolino and Fung for their efforts to make a difference and bring forward one part of the solution.
