[MissoulaGov] Committee Update 9-30-09

Thu Oct 1 20:30:12 MDT 2009

Jon it is unfortunate that some homeless people do not take advantage of the things available. However I think we have to recognize that they may not want too, or may not be able to follow the rules to do so, and are not required too. Do I wish that homeless were more involved in the programs offered
well, yes and no. I wish they pursued their interest; aspired to refine
themselves in some way. That to me is the tragedy. I could care less if
they are "productive members of society" or any other social construct
that seems to be the law. There are some that do not fit in but if you feel strongly like helping those who are trying to do something constructive - be it a job or making hobo art - you may have to pick and choose who you help. A good friend of mine works at the Pov and he deals with people that are rude but does not have to extend his help to those that rudely, threateningly, demand this or that. There is just no reason on a personal basis to tolerate it- so don't - which means not marrying your ideas or behaviors toward them as a demographic but instead as individuals. 

Also until enforcement happens how many sidewalk dwellers are up to date on city council affairs, including city ordinances? How many years would it take for word to spread that Missoula is a horrible place to be down and out in, homeless? The truth is even if that battle was to be fought frankly it would never end. Why choose and endless battle when there are so many to be addressed that can be changed? Safe to say I do not think a compromise would do much either.

I support local business and wish the best to them. Funny though because I can only afford to buy anything at a handful of them (otherwise I just do not buy the stuff new, I do not attend box stores). I think we should live in a society where people can afford to shop local though so I will support them in general. However based on the feedback here I am confused. Who is complaining about the homeless in particular? There seems to be mixed things coming from all directions. Is it just the business owners that hear from customers? They are still customers in that case, it seems. I also think if an ordinance is passed it should require store owners to politely ask the homeless people to move before they have the right to involve police because the homeless are individuals and may respond to friendly requests. 

Perhaps instead of making this such a strong e-mail conversation people interested in doing something about the homeless should go talk to the offenders and find out where they would rather go, or if they are just human and want to be near other humans but are not tolerated in the bars. Not one e-mail I have seen has quoted a single homeless person. They are the homeless so maybe if we consider this a free and democratic state their thoughts should be considered or represented in some way. 

Also Colleen brings up a great point, where exactly is the ideas of dangerous homeless coming up? Have they been using their tools as weapons? I feel infinitely more threatened by cars potential for destruction and death than I do homeless. The only person I have come across in Missoula that I thought had any potential for violence was at a Caras park event, was not of homeless variety, but clearly smoked meth or something. That is it for a span of five years. Colleen also pointed out the diversity, maybe she meant it in a positive way. I feel the diversity makes downtown the place to be so I will say it is a positive thing even if some aspects are not always good. I did come across a woman with what appeared to be a rather hurt arm, and asking for money for surgery. Yeah I felt like health care should be here by now, at that moment.

I want to thank you Bob J. It is nice to know a city councilman is watching out for everyone.

From: jonview at msn.com
To: bjaffe at ci.missoula.mt.us; missoulagov at cmslists.com
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 21:17:20 +0000
Subject: Re: [MissoulaGov] Committee Update 9-30-09

Bob  you don't listen well I did not hear any one say they did not care about the homeless. My comments is that missoula does care we do have many programs for our homeless. I have ben involed many times. Threw scout where we served dinner at the pov. collected socks gloves and gave them out downtown. the ywca works with Homeless word Housing Authority. Churches. Just to name a few. there are many more including downtown Business. Can we do more yes What do you do to help? No sleeping on sidewalk is important for the well being of downtown not only for the businesses also for the people that live there. 12 ft is not going to help if any thing it will make it worse. lets think about Missoula. Iam not a good writer or speller  if you want to know more on this or what ever please feel free to call me Jon Wilkins360-7997

From: BJaffe at ci.missoula.mt.us
To: missoulagov at cmslists.com
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:54:11 -0600
Subject: [MissoulaGov] Committee Update 9-30-09

Greetings,

In Public Safety this morning we took up the Pedestrian Interference Ordinance.  
http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=2185
The existing ordinance restricts people from blocking the sidewalk.  The amended language we were considering would also make it illegal to sleep or lie down on the sidewalk even if you are not interfering with pedestrians.  I moved to amend the language to say that people could not lie or sleep on the sidewalk within 12 feet of the entrance to a business.  I thought this was a good compromise that addresses the issue of people feeling impeded from entering a business but does not make it illegal for homeless people to exist in public. The room was full of downtown business owners who really want us to pass an ordinance that will make the homeless people disappear. I sympathize with them. Retail is really challenging. There is a lot of competition and little things can win or lose customers. I do my best to support our downtown businesses, both on council and with my wallet. But I’m not going to vote to criminalize homelessness. 