For once, I have to commend the majority of Dover City Council members for making the right decision Feb. 25 and striking down proposed Ordinance 2025-21, which was blatantly unconstitutional and would have cost the city of Dover thousands and thousands of dollars in legal fees that would have trickled down to the taxpayers. Additionally, we often forget that behind every outstretched hand is a story — one that may include job loss, illness or trauma. Criminalizing poverty does nothing to solve it; it only pushes people further into despair. I commend council members Roy Sudler, Brian Lewis, Gerald Rocha, André Boggerty, Tricia Arndt and Donyale Hall for voting no on the ordinance introduced by Councilman David Anderson and Police Chief Tom Johnson.
While observing the council hearings on this proposed ordinance, I was deeply troubled to witness the harsh treatment by Councilman Anderson toward many of our homeless individuals and toward the citizens who spoke up. Further, I found it appalling to read on social media the direct attacks made by Councilman Anderson’s wife and friends toward some of his colleagues on City Council. While healthy debate is essential in a democracy, personal attacks erode trust, distract from real issues and discourage civic participation. Our elected city officials are entrusted with representing all residents, not just those who agree with them.
“At some point, you have to deal with the poisonous snake in the grass.” Councilman David Anderson has caused major division in our city, and I hope he has learned that you cannot persecute people and attempt to take away their rights. This is not the Jim Crow era any longer.
If we truly want safer, kinder communities, we must replace punishment with compassion. Outreach programs, mental health services and affordable housing initiatives are far more effective than citations or harassment are.
Let’s remember: Dignity is a right, not a privilege.
Tyron Scott
Dover
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
