Update: I've made it to City Council and chambers are packed - but not to talk about homelessness. Instead, folks are lined up to discuss a local controversy over whether or not people can use tape to save places for families and friends along the Rose Festival Parade route. Yes, the really important stuff brings out the crowds. Even the media is here. The room will empty out when it comes times to discuss the sit-lie ordinance. What's more important? Homelessness and poverty or where you sit when the parade comes by? The answer seems clear.
Letter To Portland City Council On Sit-Lie
Mr. Mayor and City Commissioners:
I hope to be at council today to support Commissioner Randy Leonard's proposal to delay implementation of the sit-lie ordinance. However, if I am unable to make it on time I wanted to have my concerns on record with you.
Under the leadership of Mayor Potter there has been much progress to bring compromise and compassion to the long controversy over how best to treat people living on our streets. I appreciate very much the approach taken by the mayor and, of course, I applaud the long-time and steadfast commitment to these issues made by Commissioner Sten.
However, I cannot find the logic or – with all due respect – the moral justification for moving forward with the sit-lie ordinance, which allows our police the authority to arrest or cite people sitting on the street, until such time as other alternatives are permanently in place that provide people with opportunities to be off sidewalks.
Commissioner Leonard has brought forth a common sense plan that simply asks for a delay in the enforcement of the ordinance. Delay can sometimes seem like a step back but in this case it would help afford some of Portland's most vulnerable citizens with their basic civil rights. Delay in this instance is the best moral choice.
After decades of moving in the wrong direction on this issue our Mayor has shown leadership that brings us in the right direction. Commissioner Leonard's approach does not take the city off course but rather corrects an unfortunate detour.
Finally, I appreciate that all of your offices have been directly in contact with me on this issue over the last week. I know that all the members of the council want solutions that help end homelessness in our city.
Sincerely,
Rev. Chuck Currie
