It appears that our lame-duck Clark County Council is at it again. All three commissioners voted to prohibit begging and panhandling on public roads, with stiff penalties for violations of infraction. Two of our commissioners, Mielke and Madore, are up for election next year in their NEW districts, while the third, Barnes, is a lame duck (if not already out in favor of Pridemore).
While public begging can be a distressing sight, I find it strange that our commissioners would choose to further tax an already over-stretched Sheriff's Department and our overcrowded Jail by putting extremely poor folks (usually homeless, and in need of social and recovery services) to task. Even if all this new policy nets are warm bodies for the Mabry Work Crew Center (impossible to get to for many, given its Brush Prairie location) to pick up litter and blow leaves around, it still adds bodies to an overburdened corrections system here in Clark County.
Given the holidays are upon us, its mean-spirited and wrongheaded for our commissioners to attack those LEAST able to help themselves, in the interests of "public safety". I'm not sure whether commissioners think a lump of coal would also be appropriate, given the circumstances.
SHAME on the Clark County Council for enacting this ordinance.
Semi-regular musings, rants, and occasional raves, as well as constructive critique, about politico-economic goings-on and needs in Vancouver, USA and surrounding area. O Vancouvria! seeks to point out problems that need redress, bear witness to issues otherwise ignored, and start dialogue that brings the ear of public needs and wants back to movers & shakers in our community.
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