Panhandler problems persist

Panhandler problems persist

West Memphis officials monitoring ongoing legal developments

news@theeveningtimes.com

Panhandlers continue to pass the hat in West Memphis. The passersby can’t help but notice them at the Missouri Street underpass and on the road by Walmart. While the city recently extended its six-month moratorium prohibiting the enforcement of its solicitation ordinances, elected officials have continued monitoring legal developments on the issue.

Councilman Wayne Croom delivered an update to city council during the regular work session before the last city council meeting in January.

Croom said beggars negatively impact economic development prospects. He attended a Municipal League meeting where the begging issue had been addressed and relayed an account that beggars negatively impact economic development prospects for a city.

“A gentleman from Forrest City said a Chinese business delegation was being showed the sites, when a panhandler stuck his whole head in the window and startled them,” said Croom.

“He said they had to make amends for that. They almost lost the account because of that. This is an issue all over the state. It’s a shame they stand at the gateway of our city and its the first thing everybody sees.”

The American Civil Liberties has pursued certain cities in the state about limiting times and places for begging based on constitutional free speech rights.

“One of the sessions was on panhandling and the ACLU still has its lawsuit pending with Hot Springs, Ft. Smith and Texarkana,” said Croom. “Some of the ordinances in those cities state time of day for panhandling, where they can panhandle.”

One remedy was suggested but city council agreed that being the first to try it out could expose West Memphis to another lawsuit.

“If you can designate the intersection where panhandling is occurring as unsafe you could probably stop the panhandling at that intersection,” said Croom.

“But, our panhandlers have already been out there so a precedent has been set up and if you try to come back in there, then I do not know how it would go. It’s worth the shot.” Its one thing to take aim at the issue. It’s another to pull the trigger with a fix.

Elected officials said it would be prudent to hold fire.

“I don’t disagree with anything you’ve said,” said Mayor Bill Johnson, “but, it would probably be wise to await the court decision.”

“The best thing to do is to wait before we take action or we could find ourselves attached to that lawsuit,” said Councilman James Pulliaum.

“If it is to be concluded that these are dangerous intersections we need to ask the police department for any supporting statistics,” said Councilwoman Ramona Taylor. “That’s about the only way to stay out of court.”

By John Rech