Needed to cease intimidation and revitalize downtown
Editor, The Times:
A big “bravo” for Councilmember Tim Burgess for speaking out to make our downtown areas safer from overly aggressive panhandlers and unruly crowds [“Panhandling crackdown urged,” page one, Feb. 25].
Of course, everybody has a right to be there but not the right to intimidate others. Visitors and shoppers would simply stay away from downtown and take their business elsewhere, adding to the recession woes of many fine downtown shops. With much concern, we see that some downtown shops have left already, are consolidating or scaling back. A mass exodus of downtown shops would be a disaster for our beautiful city.
Thankfully, the city’s recent efforts to curb some unacceptable behavior are showing results. Walking in downtown streets has already become much more pleasant. This will go a long way to keep our downtown areas vibrant and inviting.
— Wolfgang Mack, Seattle
Focus solely on spurring business, not on a few individuals
As a downtown resident and woman, I am concerned about the City Council’s proposal to crack down on panhandling. While downtown has its fair share of panhandlers, I have yet to encounter one who has been threatening or aggressive.
In fact, on my walk to work, I experience just the opposite: courteous and friendly panhandlers who are respectful of my personal space. Also on my walk to work are plenty of empty storefronts and businesses going under in the downtown core. Seems like the council should be focused on this larger malaise than targeting a few individuals.
— Shefali Ranganathan, Seattle
Panhandling a ‘basic safety net’
There goes my “plan B.” I figured that when I lose my job, house and Basic Health Plan, I can at least ask people for spare change. City Councilmember Tim Burgess would take even that away. What a terrible idea.
Let’s defeat this on free-speech grounds as well as protecting the most basic of safety nets in a worsening economy.
— Henry Noble, Seattle