Opponents of the proposed aggressive solicitation ordinance say it is unfairly aimed at the homeless and those struggling with poverty. Of course, I disagree or else I wouldn't have proposed the law in the first place. Experts in the field of social services also disagree as is evident in this letter from leaders of major human services providers received at Council offices today: Download Human Service Public Safety Letter. The letter is signed by the executive directors of Plymouth Housing, YWCA, YMCA, Downtown Emergency Services Center, Union Gospel Mission and Compass Housing Alliance.
Here's an excerpt from the letter: "We specifically want to address the anti-solicitation ordinance, which has generated a large amount of discussion and debate. Some have suggested in public testimony before the Council that the ordinance is "anti-homeless" or designed to "target the poor." We couldn't disagree more with these characterizations. We support this ordinance because it strikes a balance between protecting rights and restricting intimidating and aggressive behavior. The ordinance focuses on specific behaviors and applies to anyone who is aggressively soliciting in Seattle."
Also today, the Downtown Seattle Association released the results of a live-operator poll they conducted about this ordinance. Support for the ordinance is overwhelmingly strong. Read media coverage here.