Attack on mayor unwarranted
This is a response to “Mayor’s veto may scuttle measure” [page one, April 20].
When I read about City Councilmember Tim Burgess’ aggressive-panhandling measure, I immediately sent messages protesting the measure to him and City Council President Richard Conlin.
I pointed out that I am a frequent downtown visitor. I shop, visit the art museum, library and Benaroya Hall; eat, attend meetings, visit friends day and night and have not been aggressively panhandled by anyone. I am a5-foot-2 senior citizen with no training in the martial arts.
The attack on Mayor Mike McGinn [“Missteps are mounting for Mayor Mike McGinn,” editorial, Opinion, April 21] was unwarranted, as were comments about City Councilmember Bruce Harrell.
— Jan O’Connor, Seattle
End, not criminalize homelessness
Mayor Mike McGinn is not listening? When Tim Burgess’ aggressive-panhandling bill came up for a vote last week, public comment at the City Council meeting was 2-to-1 against it, according to every account I have heard.
Additionally, a laundry list of human-rights and civil-liberties organizations had come out against the bill, which likely is an unconstitutional restriction on free speech.
Aggressive panhandling is already a criminal offense in Seattle. This bill would only add a civil penalty on top of that, which means cops have to meet a far lower burden of proof and suspects do not have the right to an attorney.
Where does that leave that aggressive panhandler? I think it is safe to assume most do not have an extra $50 lying around to cover the fine. If anything, this encourages even more aggressive panhandling.
Let’s try to solve homelessness instead of criminalizing it.
— Garrett McCulloch, Seattle