BANGOR, Maine — After soliciting opinions on ways to regulate panhandling on public ways such as medians, traffic islands and curbs, the Bangor City Council’s business and economic committee elected to craft some potential ordinance language and revisit the subject at its next meeting.
After committee chairman Geoffrey Gratwick asked where the committee should go with the issue of panhandling and people standing in high-traffic areas or at entrances to malls and plazas, fellow City Councilor Pat Blanchette had a quick answer.
“I’m tired of certain citizens having more civil rights and First Amendment rights than other citizens and me,” she said. “I have to draw the line at people standing in front of our businesses, or the entrances to malls begging for change.
“This is not an image I want to see Bangor have.”
Blanchette went on to make the point that Bangor, as one of a half-dozen service-center cities in the state, provides health and human services to anyone who comes into the city to seek them, regardless of their residency, as well as food and shelter through Hope House, the Bangor Homeless Shelter and other facilities.
“We provide help for people already and we don’t need to have this on top of it,” she said. “This is an organized group of moochers, I won’t say panhandlers, which you can see working in shifts and schedules.
“And they might have a ‘Will work for food’ sign on them, but if you stop and offer them a sandwich, they won’t take it because they prefer money.”
Bangor City Solicitor Norm Heitmann made the point that he has been stopped for things other than money.
“I’ve been stopped for change, and to talk about Jesus too,” he said. “We can craft our ordinance to allow people to be safe from aggressive panhandling and keep people from being unsafe and getting themselves run over.”
Heitmann referenced a n ordinance proposal recently rejected by a 6-3 vote of the Portland City Council to prohibit anyone from occupying traffic medians except to cross streets.
“The Portland ordinance language would have made it illegal for people to go onto a median to put up a campaign sign,” he said.
Councilor Nelson Durgin said he was left unsure whether they were discussing a problem in search of a solution or a solution in search of a problem.
“I don’t believe it’s good for economic development in Bangor to have someone out in front of the Bangor Mall begging for money,” said Councilor Charlie Longo.
Heitmann then said the best way to craft the ordinance language was to do it in a way that regulated behavior, not the status, of a person.
“Let’s eliminate the median strip terminology, refocus this issue, and bring it back to us with some proposed language focusing on the actual issue,” said Durgin.
Heitmann said he would bring potential ordinance language back to the committee at its next meeting.
Agreed! As a Bangor resident myself I am tired of it. It’s dangerous, distracting, and they are definitely not legitimately needy people. They work in organized shifts and probably get more in donations than working people receive after a hard week. They should be spending those hours looking for a job, not standing in a median expecting handouts. I am all for charity but I will never be caught giving money to undeserving con artists. I will donate my time and money to a good cause any day. I have given boxes of food repeatedly to the Bangor Homeless Shelter. But I hate to see little old ladies swindled into giving these losers money. Get a job, not a median.
You are right on target. I lived in another city where the bums were found to be an organized group, even being dropped off in shifts by a van at the intersections. I am generous with my donations to Red Cross, Food Banks, etc… but these people are trouble and then they invite their friends to join them. The city leaders thought it would be a good idea to place benches for the bums to rest on, until it became a nightmare for businesses and shoppers. The benches lasted a month before the city removed them.
Very well said. Let’s all abide by your good commentary. I will.
Then do not give them money, very simple. They do it because people give them money. Don’t. But I feel that they are protected under the first amendment. Public sidewalk. What distraction? Should be ban store signs? They pose a distraction. Its a sidewalk there a drive should expect people there. Now the ones on a median that have no sidewalk are a different story. They should not be there, move to a sidewalk.
Ha! Gratwick, Longo, and Blanchette are 3 of the most “caring” liberals in Bangor, but they can’t stand witnessing the mess liberals like them helped create. You can’t make this stuff up!
You’re right. They’ve been voting for dependency creating programs for years. Now it’s time they have to stand up to it and do something about it……or just kick the can down the road like they always do.
Mess? This is job creation – the likes of which Le Page had no conception of when he posted his sign.
So decide what the dirty job the pubic works department needs done on any given day,
tell the police to officers to offer them work, then if they refuse the work
arrest them for fraud.
It is win/win.
hey, I resemble that remark!
oh, police officer, I got a job fer yer with the pubic works.
HUH ?
What is a serious reply to what you resemble ?
It’s “public”, not “pubic” works… just having a little fun with your carelessness.
So OK, I’m nearly as stupid as ….
every job is a dirty job at the pubic works department!
Enforce ‘no loitering’ laws. See how simple that was? Or does Bangor not have a ‘no loitering’ ordinance?
Maine doesn’t have a loitering law, aside from prohibiting loitering on railroad property (such as being on the tracks or trying to hitch a ride in an empty box car. In fact, a law that goes beyond railroads would face serious First Amendment questions, as it would prohibit protests outside of public buildings.
Wow. MCR must have a pretty powerful lobby if they only place you can’t loiter is on a damn RR track.
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Have you noticed that these people all have cell phones and smoke cigarettes?
Saw one bum the other day He had better clothes than me
mmm, so?
SO? Some of us work for what we have. We don’t have to beg from others. Despite some political platforms, it is still good to be PRIDEFUL of not taking handouts to care oneself.
I saw that guy too.
He probably dons his Penguin suit when he leaves his “office” and dines at the Country Club.
I’ve yet to see any of them smoking or talking on cell phones. They always have to hands on their sign.
They use the same signs taking shifts.
really? You can tell?
Yes. I travel the same route every day just about shift change. Same exact sign different people.
have you actually seen them change shifts? walk by and take the sign and take over? If you have that is actually pretty smart of them.
I witnessed it on one occasion at the 95 exit on Broadway.
Well that is pretty smart wouldn’t you say, Them doing it shifts does not change a thing I Feel. Don’t give them money.
Ever see those 20/20 type shows where they interview men who make about $500.00 per day, go home, change out of their rags and live better than you or I. I don’t give anyone any money.
City Council Pat Blanchette mentioned one group (in a city workshop meeting) that made over $100k per year. Plus $450 per month in food stamps. She did not elaborate on exactly who or how …. you would have to ask her.
As a city councilor, it is incumbent on Councilor Blanchette to reveal the details behind this extraordinary profitable and growing business.
A pamphlet, or, Web Site post would be beneficial to many desirous of finding a new business opportunity. The $100k annuity with food costs covered, has me turfing out the closet for the best rags and holy sneakers I can find.
Are they unionized? Or, can I select my own light?
I think at least for now you can grab your own light. I think you would probably need to hone a story though. Like anything, you can do well if you put your mind to it.
As for specifics I refer you to the public access channel. They repeat broadcast those meetings so you can confirm what she said.
That made me laugh out loud…………..TY! Oh, and if they are unionized, they will soon work themselves out of jobs!
I saw one talking on a cell phone. Clean cut, nice clothes, expensive backpack, neatly groomed. Looked like he was getting along fine to me. Not to mention the distraction to drivers at intersections and potential accidents when people stop mid-traffic to hand them a freebie.
They are not causeing the accidents, the drivers that are giving them money are. Driver inattention is causing accidents. Not the pan handlers. What distraction do they play? Should we ban store signs then because they cause a distraction?
not me
And drinking sodas.
I haven’t noticed anyone smoking or talkng on a cell and it wouldn’t matter if I did. I always throw these guys a few bucks when I can reach them. All I had was a $100 last week so the guy was really happy. The light turned green but I could hear a whole lot of “God bless you” coming my way. A couple bucks out of my pocket doesn’t mean much, but a few out of mine, yours, and others might provide a decent meal for someone less fortunate.
The real story here is how many people don’t have to panhandle because we already provide free rent, heat, food, and healthcare so there is no need to ask for it.
This is freedom of expression. As long as they don’t violate any laws I say good luck to them.
I believe that there are those that really do help, but there are also those ones that only do it because they are lazy or need drug/alcohol money. The ones that really infuriate me are those that are well dressed, smoking and come right up to your car asking for money. I do not give money to those people. If they are going to use the money I give them for cigaretts, they aren’t getting my money. I have seen plenty of them at Wal-Mart in Ellsworth (out by the traffic lights) that are like this.
I have never once had someone come up to me and ask for money. Most are very respectful and just quietly hold the sign.
I was getting out of my car and going to work when a pair of 20 somethings walked right up to my door and asked for money…..I said no and they left but it was still uncomfortable….am I allowed the freedom to be able to go to work peacfully?
You are, but those people should not dictate the others. Going up to someone and asking for money is wrong, but standing on the sidewalk with a sign is not. If they came onto your companies property that is wrong and trespassing.You could pretty much ban everything because it someone is bothered by it.
I’ll Be honest. I have a soft spot in my heart for panhandlers, you see, my brother who is currently sufferig PTSD from burning women and children alive in Vietnam back in 1968 was more than his mind could handle. He has become a panhandler to get by. He will not except any money, a job or a free place to live from his family so he has hit the streets to do it on his own. We are all nervous for his safety. I gave him a gun for protection but he sold it for 30 bucks (it was a $650 Glock) He is getting along in years now I we worry that someday he is going to get robbed of his street haul or something. He doesn’t drink or do drugs that I know of just a little touched mentally with the PTSD and refuses help.
Regarding the locals around here. Until one of them comes after me in a forceful way I am just going to keep throwing a few bucks at them. Now if you can convince me that any of these panhandlers are on methadone, bets off, they get nothing!!!!
I feel very sad indeed for your brother, but he needs professional help and his mental state does not make this okay. He refuses help from his family, but ‘begs’ for it from others. That does not make any sense at all.
giving a gun to a PTSD victim seems irresponsible. If he has diagnosed PTSD that would mean his a a prohibited person.
I feel bad for you and your family, and have great respect for those that have served. I served in the Armed Forces myself. But to give your panhandling, PTSD, may or may not be on drugs or alcohol brother, a fire arm, doesn’t strike me as the right thing to do. Just my opinion. At least he only sold it, I guess.
I’ve never had anyone come right up to my car. They sit quietly on that guardrail at the WalMart by the lights.
Its possible that City Attorney Norman Heitman might insert a clause in his projected ordinance that would require all panhandlers to specify the ultimate destination of their daily take. You know – like: “Dope & Smoke,” or, “Booze & Drugs” – whatever.
Categorization would simplify the stop sign transactions, thus avoiding extended delays on the Green. A “Bed & Breakfast” sign would obviously result in a quicker drop, especially if the handler is not immersed in a blue cloud of smoke, or, tied up in a business call on his cell phone.
you’re free to throw $100 my way; as I am asking, and it’s ‘freedom of expression’. ???
I ate ramen for dinner last night can I have $100.00?
I give them
old stogies I have found Short, but not too big around.
I wonder if any of these bums feel shame? Thats what stops the rest of us from giving up and going on welfare etc.
It is beginning to sound more like a business, rather than welfare. Tax free – I bet.
Stone squatting for eight or more a day has to be profitable. One poster said he got through the lights by tossing a C-note. That’s a better bag than being a toll-booth operator.
What are we waiting for? In the words of our “two years to go” governor: “Get off the couch.” Go hug a stop light.
Don’t forget the tats and piercings. Oh wait, those are cheap. NOT!
Then it’s a profitable business that we should all look into. I don’t smoke. Even if I wanted to – I couldn’t, because I couldn’t afford it.
These savvy business folk appear to have found a niche market enabling them to bypass unemployment lines.
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‘Ha! Gratwick, Longo, and Blanchette are 3 of the most “caring” liberals in Bangor, but they can’t stand witnessing the mess liberals like them helped create. You can’t make this stuff up!’
‘Sure you did.
So what is the conservative solution, exactly, besides to blame liberals for every little bit of the mess since the Bush Recession began ?
Get a JOB and be a productive member of civilized society…
disques is stuttering again.
“Get a JOB and be a productive member of civilized society… ”
I am a small independent business man and job creator.
Are you, or do YOU just watch FNN ?
They’ll probably soon make it a crime to give to panhandlers too…
Would this apply to the firefighters and all the other groups that use boots, buckets or whatever to collect funds for their causes? They’re at the same intersections, running into traffic, tapping on windows. The people I see with “homeless” signs typically are standing in medians, not being more upfront with drivers. Include everyone when making up policies. Don’t target one group of people.
I sure hope it wouldn’t apply to them, the firefighters actually give back to the community so they have every right to put their boot out there.
The firefighters are working full time jobs to keep us safe. They are raising money for others and are not living off of society. It is two totally different groups. We are targeting those who are taking advantage of people who believe that they are homeless. Most are clean, well shaven and laundered clothes. Where are they doing all of this if they are homeless? If at the shelter or hope house, then they have found another way to manipulate society to giving them a handout.
They could always make the collectors apply for a permit….and limt use to nit for profit charity
Let’s create panhandle zones and use a lottery system to issue the permits. Orlando Florida has these areas in downtown locations there painted on the sidewalks in blue. I don’t know if they require a permit I just thought that might keep them from fighting over the best spots. We have smoke free zones on public property.
There is a man who stands outside of the Bangor Mall holding a sign stating that he and his mom are homeless. I gave him money a couple of times until I saw him getting into his van which he parks inside mall lot. His plate is from Oregon. I was angry that I gave him money so the next time I saw him I asked him why he wasn’t panhandling from inside his van. His reply was, “Is there a problem with me having a van? It is an older van.” Well, e needs to get his van and his mom and go back to Oregon. It is sickening to see this when there truly are a lot of people in today’s economy who are in need of assistance.
Well, being stranded on the otehr side of the continent does sound like a pretty bad situation…
I live in a dense residential neighborhood, near a sleazy, multi-unit apartment building, that happens to have an extensive drug history, and is owned by a Brewer City official. I also live within a stones throw of a drug den owned by a Bangor City official. And we’re being asked to pretend that pan-handling in front of the empty Circuit City building is a major problem??? Here’s a thought – let’s crack down on the slum lords in this community.
Wow !
But,hey, it just business.
Besides I bet they vote early and as often as the landlord can arrange.
After all if he supports them 365 then once every 2 or 4 years I’ll bet even the monkey dusters turn out for the man, when told to.
You would be surprised (or maybe you wouldn’t) at the names of the owners of some of the worst cared for apartment buildings in Bangor. Lots of community leader types.
What steps do you recommend to crack down on the slum lords?
For starters, the paper could print the name of the owner every time there is a problem requiring police involvement.
These people have no shame. It’s all about the money.
Make them live in them.
JUST SAY NO!
“Councilor Nelson Durgin said he was left unsure whether they were discussing a problem in search of a solution or a solution in search of a problem.” This shows we have another problem: Councilor Durgin.
Agreed but one problem at a time. Longo needs to go ASAP everyone knows that. After watching a council meeting on August 16th I would say Blanchette needs to go soon. She made a statement saying that the people that wanted a left hand turn on to Stillwater from the I95 are all dead and continued to laugh about it. I’m guessing she meant Bud Grant… who ever she meant it is ignorant and you could tell by Councilor Weston’s expression he thought so also.
It doesnt make sense to make people cross the intersection to pull a U’y……I always wanted a left turn light there and Im not dead….
I have heard of people, numerous times, bragging about their heavy pockets after just a few hours of standing at a busy corner. People who have jobs, get SSI, or food stamps. I mean, if people are willing to simply give away their hard earned money, that’s their problem. Me, not so much. I ignore them everytime. I don’t care how bad the situation is, there are better ways of getting help. Afterall, we do have the best welfare.
love your name Ashypoopoo, Wier, Wier Daddy,! Got a story behind that?
I almost hit one cutting across traffic to setup shop the other day at Wal-Mart.. I’m as big of a bleeding-heart liberal as the best of them, but these guys need to get a job! Everyone just needs to ignore them and they’ll go away.
Maybe with a little more practice you won’t miss next time.
Would you go offer them a job? How do you know they have not looked but no one will offer them one?
It’s a total scam they do that then brag at thlocal bars of scoring 200a day should be banned one way or another
Start giving them Chocolate Coins you have left over from last holiday season.
In my opinion there are two Issues. One is a safety issue of people standing in the median strip at exits and entrances of busy intersections. Someone is going to get hurt or fender benders can happen as some people might stop to donate and others won’t slow down for them.
Prohibit standing in the median ….. no need to mention its purpose other than public safety.
Blanchette is correct panhandling is a cottage industry.. Prohibit it everywhere in the city.
I see it as a first Amendment Issue, That is public property, As long as they are not shouting, or Harassing people and are just holding the sign then, It is completely covered in the first Amendment.
It isn’t a first amendment issue when public safety is involved. You can’t hold a sign hitch hiking on the interstate for instance.
Secondly, people should not have to be subjected to a bunch of professional grifters.
There is absolutely no safety issue. That is a cop out. They are Standing there holding a sign. If there is accident then its the drivers not paying attention. As for not being able to do it on the highway, there is not place that is designed for people to stand. There are no sidewalks or paths for pedestrians.
There absolutely is a safety issue. Talk to the Police. Talk to the City Engineer. Participate in these meetings, If you can’t go watch the meetings on the public access channel. Your viewpoint might change. Inattention is often a cause of accidents and that is not a cop out. The median strip is NOT designed for people to stand on. It is for separating traffic lanes safely.
Yes, I do agree. They should not be on the median Strip because you are right they are not designed for people to stand. If there is a sidewalk attached they can stand there. The pan handlers do not cause the driver inattention.
sure they do and in some busy spots too. The entrance to the big-lots/texas road house plaza is coming off the exit ramp from 95 so ppl are already in “fast mode”. Taking your eyes of the road even for a second to read a sign or examine the individual who is standing where typically you don’t expect to see someone standing is all it takes for the guy in front of you to jam on brakes and you not to see it.
There is a sidewalk there, drivers should already be watching for people. What you just described is driver inattention. Heck what you describe, we should ban all commercial signs that have lights, or change color, or have words on them. There is a sidewalk and a Mall, people are going to be around. People just need to pay attention.
I do not shop in Bangor anymore. I was disgusted at the sight of all the pan handlers the last time I was in Bangor in early July.
The last time I went to the waterfront for a show was the last time for that also. I hate cities that promote, encourage, and give incentives to people who will not conform to society.
PS. For all you libs out there I am all for helping people who truly need it as long as they are from Maine.
Its funny that Republicans love to shout that we are taking libs are talking away rights. This is most Certainly a first amendment issue. If they are on public property and holding a sign they should not have to move. As long as they are not shouting or harassing people they have a right to be there. They are simply holding a sign on public property. First amendment all the way. Once they start interacting with people verbaly in a harassing manor then there is an issue, if not and they are just simply standing there then I feel its protected speech. Also I see more people calling them names then words coming out of there mouths.
Are you with Charlie? You support ID cards for panhandlers? Only Maine panhandlers permitted on Median Strips?
Just exchange your metaphorical blinders for real ones. People blinders. I’m registering a new patent.
How is this not protected under the first Amendment? They are on public land. If they are not on the side walk but in a median, then I understand. But as long as they are on sidewalk and holding a sign, I say its protected.
defrauding people is not protected under the first amendment. If they want to make a first amendment issue out of it they will need to show that their “speech” relates in someway to a political/religious/ideological campaign or cause. Being a nuisance isn’t protected under the 1st amendment which is why anti-loitering laws have been allowed. I appreciate entrepreneurship. However, their is nothing entrepreneurial in begging, it is has been around since the beginning of recorded time. It’s sad that seemingly well individuals will squander their lies being parasites.
They are not being a nuisance however, they are standing on a sidewalk holding a sign. Once they start to engaged drivers then yes. Other then that they are simply asking for help, not different then a stationary sign except that someone is holding it. We have let our right erode so much. heck at the RNC protesters were over a mile away, at the DNC they are going to be 1/6th of a mile. Not even close to being able to reach the people they are protesting against. This is a first amendment issue, they have the right to say what they want and to ask for help on public property. You do not have to give them money, just don’t trounce on there rights because you do no like what they say or ask.
Those are not the only things that are cover under free speech. They are not defrauding people they are asking for money, whether people give them money or not are not up to them.
If you notice, they are clean shaven, clothes are laundered and hair is clean. So they are obviously finding a place to bathe. They can stand on a corner and make a few hundred a day (tax free) and have found another way to get a handout from society. Offer them to numbers to Hope House and the Bangor Shelter. That is not what they are after as one told me “I have a place, just not enough money.” But there are those who will just hand them money, so they stay there. Any monies that they receive such as welfare, food stamps, SSI…etc are already coming from us hard working Americans so why give them more?
Also they have MacDonald’s Cups & Trash at their feet while standing at these corners! Please!!
Actually, Patricia Blanchette’s statement is ridiculous, since she does have the same rights as the panhandlers.
If everyone stopped giving these people money, the problem would dry up within a week. Guaranteed. We pay taxes to support programs to house, clothe, feed and care for the homeless.
‘Tis obvious — if we didn’t have curbs, people wouldn’t be able to panhandle there. End curbs, end curb panhandling.
Oh, forget it . . .
Easy to solve. Pass an ordinance that if found panhandling, an officer can search them and the money they find will be their fine.
Can you say Rights violation. There is something in the Constitution that says you can’t do that.
This is the purest form of free speech. people standing on public ground (which belongs to “We the people” and asking for assistance.
The problem comes from people not wanting to see these folks at all. The real question for the Bangor City Government is: “where do we hide all our problems so they don’t offend people who come to town to spend money?”
In Rio de Janeiro the police shoot homeless children during the night so they don’t offend the tourists during the day…. Just a thought.
I agree with this statement. There is a bigger problem here then just a few panhandlers.
You may agree with it, but I didn’t make it. Must be responding to another post.
I’ve noticed them recently in Bangor and was sad to see it; glad they are addressing it. I agree with the lady, anyone going to DHHS and or/the city of Bangor can get help. No need for this type of bohemian type behavior.
most panhandlers just need a little help, racist. they have rights. so money bags got a dollar?
I see the requirements here to be a ‘real’ person in need
No cell phone
No Tattoos
No Bathing
No Shaving
No Grooming
No appearance of being attractive or presentable
No clean clothes
No smoking
Did I miss anything from any of your posts?
Here’s a thought. Our lives change over time. I could have got a tattoo 5 years ago but lost my job in the last 8 months. I could be jobless and struggling to pay a mound of financial burdens we all carry when we are comfortable with our job / careers. Maybe I’ve found a place to bathe or hit Goodwill for some clean clothes with the few dollars I have.
If being/standing in a median is an issue of safety / concern then so be it. That is not the way this article was written or presented.. and much like the ideas of many here, very one-sided. You all make it sound as if every person ‘wants’ to be on the street; they have better clothes, technology, bragging rights, and all of those other “benefits’ of our systems that you are so concerned about. If it’s so great, why are you not doing it? The answer is simple. It’s not great. It’s not even mediocre. It’s not about pride or ego but something you need to scuffle with from time to time to humble you and remind you how fragile your life really is : desperation. Those benefits? They run out and you are no longer even worthy of being a statistic to the state. You are lost in the system.
There is a real homeless problem here in America; a real unemployment issue and all of the social & cultural implications that are attached to those issues. Judging from the posts I see here, we also have another very large issue. We’ve lost our compassion and our humanity. We don’t have the backbone to stare it in the face; to look it in the eye and have it remind us of our own struggles. We want the problem removed from our sight but it is very much a part of us.
There are homeless and unemployment issues affecting America. There are also problems with social services and unemployment benefits. When the government cracks down on people who abuse it or work the system it affects people with a valid need. There is no good answer or magic wand that will fix the problems. The first thing that should happen is people need to try to help themselves instead of relying on the system or other people to help. There are families that have been on social services for generations. Some parents are raising their kids to rely on the social services instead of teaching them to strive to better themselves. The more people collecting social service benefits means there are less people paying into it. Soon it will fail. What will happen to those people then? I feel bad for those people who have a job but have to limit their hours because the would lose their health insurance from the state. They want to work, like to work, but cannot afford to work. I also would like to see all the deadbeats that are collecting unemployment while making more than their unemployment benefits working under the table do jail time.
They’re merely following the open for business criteria advocated by our China-bound guv – “Get off the couch. Sit on a street corner and make some cash.”
City Councilor Pat Blanchette question what about at X-Mas time when they stand thier with the pot and bell. They are begging for money. Some of the baseball, football teams at times of year stand in front of the stores asking for money.
What are you going to do about those?
I feel uncomfortable driving by them when i go to Walmart, the Kohls shopping mart, the Bangor Mall and Home Depot. I always try to find an alternate route to get to my shopping destination. I hope that Bangor Council does do something about ordinance.
I work 40 hours a week to feed my children. I understand that life circumstances may lead these people to do what that they have too BUT…really? Begging? How about some FREE SPEECH here and tell them to get a job!
One of the men in fact has a really nice car and is better shape than most of us.
Wow, riveting discussion by Bangor’s elected officials. Anyone with a brain want to be on the Council? It’s a combination of enforcement and social services and they both cost money but so do morons on the city council. Scrap the stupid “Third Street Ec Dev” study and spend that money where it matters you idiots
With the General Assistance $$$millions$$$ being handed out in Bangor and all of the social service agencies providing for other essential needs the only reasons to be panhandling in the community is to maintain a supply of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. A 90 day residency requirement is what is needed- they won’t be panhaddling then, they’ll be going back to where they came from.
I walk around downtown for exercise and was approached by the same guy begging for beer money three days in one week. On the last day of the folk festival he begged a family for money near me. He asked for money for beer and the father stated no but that he would give him money for food. The guy said that he really wanted beer. Again, the father stated that he would give him money but only for food. The individual said OK, that he would go get food and the father gave him the money stressing the need to purchase the food as he handed it to him. I do not know if he got the food but I did notice him later with a little more stagger to his step.
In the early Summer while walking down Union Street, I have seen a car stop on 16th Street at the corner and watched a guy get out of the car and walk to the woman begging at the Southbound exit of 95. This is the same guy that I have seen standing at the exit on other days. Occasionally one was at the exit while the other was across the street in the trees behind the Verizon box on Sunset Ave.
The problem is not just downtown or around the Mall. Its everywhere in the city. I have been asked for money while walking down Hammond Street during the World Series. I am getting tired of walking around our City being bothered by people asking for money. I am not cold or insensitive but wonder why people are panhandling. There are many social services available. Instead of giving people money, they should be provided a sheet containing available services. Who knows, they may need more than just financial help.
Bangor has a problem bigger than panhandling. I feel the bigger problem affecting Bangor is the transient population. One day last week the BDN had three stories about crime committed by transients in Bangor. We have been dealing with break-ins, robberies, assault committed by transients. I am wondering how many of the panhandlers are also transients. I wonder if addressing the transients will also fix the panhandling problem.
The bigger issue that the city council should address is why do we have a transient population and how can the city mitigate the issues associated with the transients.