Panhandling Ordinance

On Tuesday night the City Council voted to implement a new Panhandling Ordinance. While I have great respect for my colleagues on the councilwho supported this, I believe that this was not the best way to address the issue of panhandling. The reality is that the ordinance that we passed is constitutionally questionable, will be difficult to enforce, probably won’t get panhandlers off the street and will end up impacting youth and non-profit groups.  Why do I believe this?

First, I am sure we will be challenged in court because many believe that it infringes on peoples free speech.  Second, it will be hard to enforce because people can still panhandle and they will only violate the ordinance if they step off the curb to take money (ie..I can drive up to the curve and hand them some cash as long as they stay on the sidewalk - huh?).  We also already have laws on the books to address aggressive behaviors.  We have a strong police department that does good work, but they are understaffed and this is not a good use of resources. 

In addition, many of the people who are panhandling are struggling with challenges ranging from homelessness, to substance abuse, to dealing with issues of mental illness.  I don’t believe that a small fine will deter them. Instead, we should be focused on getting them into programs and off the streets.

This ordinance will also stop kids and groups (including the Fire Department Boot Drive from MDA) from collecting money they need to run programs for kids and organizations by running Tag Days.  The City Council did approve funds for little leagues and the schools, which was a good step, but it still leaves many other groups out.

I think that this issue also is overshadowing some great work that has been done by the City Administration, the City Council, the Lt. Governor and our great network of Social and Human Service providers who have worked together to address the issue of homelessness here in Worcester.  We have been nationally recognized being a leader in getting people off the street, out of shelters and into stable housing.  This should be celebrated and I believe that our approach to panhandling should build on it.

To the credit of the City Council, in passing the new law, they also supported the city continuing efforts to doing more outreach and the police department has developed materials that give panhandlers information on resources and programs.  I am expecting that the City Manager will outline these plans next week. This is a positive thing and I hope we can continue to help get people off the corners in a positive and productive way.

What do you think?