I agree with the editorial board’s opinion about the panhandling proposal that has since been approved by the Statesville City Council. We need to address the underlying problems of homelessness and poverty.
However, instead of being critical of the city council as they try to come up with solutions to these problems, help them find a way to end the begging problem.
Recent cut-backs from the federal and state governments have pretty much taken away any funding that we use to get that would help us deal with the these problems. Furthermore, a lot of our homeless people who stand on the street holding their signs have made their own decisions to be out there.
Granted, there are some who are in that situation because of economic reasons or true mental health reasons. When motorists come by and hand each of our beggars money it certainly does not help.
It’s like feeding a stray cat or dog; if food is available, they will continue to come back.
I challenge the news media to come up with solutions that could help local government control and deal with the homelessness issue.
No one in our country should have to be homeless and go without food and the basic necessities of life. On the other hand, if you are going to beg, don’t take the money and go buy wine and get drunk, go get a job!
Bill Riter
Statesville
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