I believe we have many good citizens in the city of Dover. There are different views on Councilman David Anderson’s ordinance to improve safety on the medians.
I believe we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. However, we cannot stop grown adults with their faculties from making bad or stupid decisions.
The Dover Police Department already has laws on the books to take individuals off the roads if they are dangerous to themselves or others with their individual actions. For this reason, I feel that Councilman Anderson’s ordinance will do nothing to increase safety.
If a person is homeless and on the street, he or she may be desperate to make money for food and possibly a hotel room for the night. The only way to prevent the homeless population from panhandling is to address and correct the homelessness issues, mental health issues and criminal issues in our city. If the homeless situation is reduced or solved, then citizens would not have to worry about individuals begging for money on our roads.
We have grown adults with all their faculties jaywalk across the street, drive under the influence, speed in their personal vehicles and text while driving. We cannot promise safety to our citizens when poor judgment is used. I believe Councilman Anderson is using scare tactics to get his ordinance passed.
In a fantasy world, we can put everyone in a protective bubble to keep them safe. However, we do not live in a fantasy world, and tragedies can and will occur at times.
We do not have the resources to permanently put officers in areas where panhandling is occurring. If Dover PD moves an individual off the median, what is going to prevent that person from coming back after the officers leave? If a person is homeless and starving, do you think he or she is worrying about a fine he or she can’t afford to pay?
I hope council will vote down Councilman Anderson’s ordinance when it finally comes up for an official vote.
William G. Faust Jr.
Dover
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
