Proposed Anti-Panhandling Law Strikes Emotional Chord in Nashua

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A proposed anti-panhandling law in Nashua has struck an emotional chord.

Advocates say panhandlers are a nuisance, ruin the city’s image, and create dangerous situations in busy intersections. Downtown business owners have complained to city officials. Opponents say the law would further marginalize the city’s poor.

Ward 5 Alderman Michael Soucy proposed the law, which which would ban people from standing in public roadways and accepting money or other items from drivers. This week, a city committee approved to law by a 4 to 1 vote. The Board of Aldermen could have a final vote on the law later this month.

Soucy said he modeled his law after similar legislation that was passed in Concord.

Nashua Patch ran a poll last month that found 90 percent of respondents want the law passed:

Here’s a sampling of reader responses from the Nashua Patch Facebook page:

Against the proposed law

• Rhonda Morgera: ”How are they hurting you? Why take their liberty to away to be able to panhandle?”
• Lori Renee Tompkins: “What happened to the ’Live Free or Die’ New Hampshire?”

In favor

• Adrianne Bernazzani: “I feel so uncomfortable every time I stop at a red light or try to get gas!”
• Julie Rabchenuk-Feegel: “Some of these panhandlers are not so nice and get in your face and be mean if you don’t give then money. One time because I was alone and it was dark and the guy yelled at me, ’That’s it!?’ Why should I get a fine for a situation like that?”
• Kristen Capriotti: “I think they are a safety hazard. They are distracting to drivers and are not always in the safest places. Plus with all the help and services (and jobs) available I have a hard time believing these people.”

What’s your take?

Photo credit: kinglasher13 via Flickr