Panhandling ordinance discussion tonight

An article in the News Tribune today gives an update on the thorny issue of getting a handle on panhandling in Tacoma. The legality of such laws has to walk a fine line between free speech and the safety of those being solicited. The good news is that Tacoma isn't alone on this issue and the Tacoma City Council's Public Safety and Human Services Committee has looked at how other cities have drafted successful ordinances. The scope of the law would be finely focused to help avoid free speech troubles. From the article:

The proposal under consideration would ban panhandling directed at drivers. It also would make it illegal to ask for handouts within 15 feet of automated teller machines, banks, credit unions, pay telephones, bus and light-rail stops, taxi stands, self-service car washes, self-service fuel pumps and some other places.

One particularly hitting quote came from a panhandler who said:

"The more expensive car they drive, the more they hate you..."

2/8 - Progress, but no panhandling rule, TNT
Previously on KFnet

The Tacoma City Council's Public Safety and Human Services Committee is having a meeting to discuss the proposed ordinance tonight at 5pm in room 248 at City Hall. [ map ]

Do you think panhandling should be controlled or is it all free speech? What experiences have you had with panhandlers?

Comments (2) | To Top

2/8/2007 @ 12:46pm

So panhandling from freeway interchanges and other unsafe locations is still okay? Hmmm.

Is there anything in the proposals that addresses the causes of homelessness and the reasons why people resort to panhandling?

by The Damn Mushroom

11/5/2007 @ 1:56am

i used to be homeless. i never once smoked, drank, or used drugs. there was just not any cheap housing i can afford in the bigger cities, especially CA area. and yes i panhandled at times, and i never once misused the money. in fact a guy once who took me to a grocery store said i was making such wise food choices he gave me an extra $5 in cash because he said he trusted me to spend it wisely. the money i received at times panhandling enabled me to wash my clothes, buy a prepaid cell phone, bus passes, etc, all of which enabled me to look for jobs which helped get me OFF the streets. as a Christian, the Bible commands us to help the less fortunate. somehow i cannot picture Jesus driving by and yelling ""GO TO XXXXING MCDONALDS"" like so many people do who believe the way michael medved believes. if people really wanna end homeless they should work hard to make $50-100 a week cheap rooming houses made available in SAFE AREAS of bigger cities. many times when i had little money i would ride the city bus to a rich suburb, and hide out and sleep at nite behind a church where id feel safe.and the few times someone drove up to me when i was holding a sign asking for work--although i know a lot of people wouldnt--when i was offered WORK i TOOK IT, if i was at all physically able to do it. this is sevencard2003 on msn if u seriously wanna discuss any further. im now living in a little town in KS and getting SSI and my rents only $177 a month here all utilities paid, so i doubt ill ever be homeless again, also i get money from winning low stakes online poker, usually between $100-250 a month and now the govt wants to put a stop to it.

by tony bigcharles

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Thu. February 8, 2007, 06:49am PST

Panhandling ordinance discussion tonight

2/8/2007 @ 12:46pm

11/5/2007 @ 1:56am

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