I have been thinking for a while that I don’t agree with Portland’s Sit/ Lie Ordinance. I have mostly kept these thoughts inside my head. But recently, it has become hard to ignore the sweeps, the issuing of tickets and the outright harassment by police of those on the streets.
For those unaware, the Sit/ Lie is a law that was passed two years ago, granting police authority to cite anyone sitting or lying in a public space. Championed by the Portland Business Alliance, the law has been overwhelmingly targeted at homeless people.
On Wednesday City Council voted, as anticipated, 4-1 to extend the Sit/ Lie another six months, so that council can hold a series of community hearings (even though the homeless community has signed petitions, gave lengthy testimonials and camped out on the steps of City Hall in opposition).
Then yesterday I witnessed an unmarked van pull the wrong way down a one-way street in Old Town. Six undercover cops stepped out, guns drawn. They were stopping a homeless man for jaywalking. “Do you remember the last time we caught you on this street?” questioned one officer, “We had to taser you”. He was issued a $97 ticket.
Is it just me or is anyone else angered with the way Sam Adams is running the show? I voted for the guy but he’s been disappointing in both his public and private life. I think its time the artist community organize themsleves and hold our elected officials accountable. If anyone is inetresting in working on a campaign to challange city policy on the sit/ lie over the next six months, drop me a line.
One Comment
1 jack wrote:
how about manikins laying around the streets of portland?
anyways,
I’m down to help.
jack