HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-19-2015 SS1 WhitneyCOUNCIL MEETING: 05 Z,71s;
TEMI No.: S51
To: Mejia, Anthony
Subject: RE: "Too many ordinances, not enough enforcement"
MAY 2Q 2015
From: Sharon Whitney [ mailto :whitney.sharonCcOgmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 9:50 AM
To: Marx, Jan; Ashbaugh, John; Rivoire, Dan; Carpenter, Dan; Christianson, Carlyn
Cc: Mejia, Anthony; Dietrick, Christine; Lichtig, Katie; Johnson, Derek; Staley, Chris
Subject: "Too many ordinances, not enough enforcement"
Dear all,
It is true than an unenforced ordinance does nobody any good and only perpetuates a culture of
disrespect for civility and constitutional law and order. However, that fact alone is not a
sufficient defense against proposed new ordinances. Proposed new ordinances that will be
similarly unenforced, of course, exacerbates the disrespectful culture. So, the real issue is to
find the right mix of existing and /or new ordinances that are most likely to be enforceable and
enforced, given limited resources, and at the same time reduce the culture of disrespect, or
better yet, become a model for other communities to follow.
Therefore, with the above in mind, I support a review of the "Unruly Gathering" ordinance. I
also support reviewing the ordinances proposed in the Civility Report, e.g., about non - permitted
gatherings in public spaces where the purposes and behaviors are disruptive to
community /neighborhood wellness - -pence and security.
I like to think of the package of ordinances that are right for the job as a quiver of sharp
arrows, the City as the archer, and the non - permitted uncivil and disrespectful disturbances of
peace and security, health and wellness, as the target - -not a certain demographic group
(although they may be the perpetual offenders).
My two cents worth,
Sharon Whitney
We are all teachers and students for each other.