Questions of constitutionality were brushed aside by councilwoman Leeman's declaration "We are trying to send a message." A homeless woman, attempting to speak, was threatened with immediate eviction from the chamber, by Mayor Campbell who stated "public discussion" had already been held.
The poor in Portland are now left to the whims of a police department predisposed to violence... surely no police officer is going to question some businessman who has called them to complain about a homeless person standing in front of his store - not with police chief Chitwood on record wanting the homeless out of Portland.
No statistics were offered as to the extent of the problem - In fact, records of abuse by homeless people seeking funds do not exist. when asked that specific question, by the city attorney, Chitwood stated that there were none.
This ordinance was proposed by a few main drag shop owners who saw the homeless as a threat to downtown growth. The poor in Maine have few places to go and now, the only method left to them to raise desperately needed funds is accompanied by citations - which will most surely turn into criminal "Failure to Appear" charges when they fail to show up for court.
This too was lightly passed over when several council members questioned procedure. Comments were made by the City Attorney which would lead the press to believe nobody would be harassed... that a homeless person wouldn't actually face jail time unless he actually violated the law numerous time. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Lead media headlines tomorrow, should scream
This is but the first blow to put increasing fear in the hearts of those who would stand to say "this is wrong"? Portland's poor are under siege!
Return to Anarchy for Anybody