HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence Panhandling 06/10/2016 TA Tortward'Committee
City of Port Angeles City Council June 10, 2016
Dear City Council Members,
We, the members of the PA Forward Committee, have followed with growing concern
the increase in panhandling and aggressive solicitation in Port Angeles and the negative effect
this has on our already struggling downtown businesses. Panhandling and aggressive
solicitation make potential customers uneasy and make shopping in Port Angeles less
attractive. They can also create a hostile environment for owners and employees of
businesses.
Most panhandlers conduct this activity out of choice as a full time occupation that can
produce a considerable tax free income. There are many opportunities for the truly needy to
obtain shelter and food. Most panhandlers choose not to utilize these opportunities.
This is not a problem limited to Port Angeles. It is our understanding that a significant
majority of communities nationwide have already availed themselves of the legal option to
prohibit coercive solicitation and limit panhandling as to time and place so that it does not result
in intimidation or public safety issues. Many communities in the State of Washington, such as
Chehalis, Centralia, and Arlington, to name only a few, have adopted such ordinances. Port
Angeles should follow suit.
We request the Port Angeles City Council to pass an ordinance prohibiting coercive
solicitation and limiting panhandling as to time and place, as other similar ordinances elsewhere
have already done. To avoid reinventing the wheel, one can look at ordinances such as the City
of Chehalis Ordinance N. 944-B and adapt it for local use.
Thank you for your consideration, and your assistance in making Port Angeles a safe
and enjoyable place to shop and go out in.
i
Patr' k Downie, Chair, PA Forward Committee