Politics & Government

Aggressive Panhandling Resolution Fails

A resolution to address perceived increase in aggressive solicitation did not get approval by Newport City Council Wednesday.

An effort to pass a law against aggressive solicitation, including panhandling, failed to get enough votes during the Newport City Council meeting held Wednesday night. 

A resolution to address a “perceived increase in aggressive forms of solicitation, begging and/or ‘panhandling’ in certain areas of Newport” failed 3-4, with Mayor Harry Winthrop and City Council members Marco Camacho, Justin McLaughlin and Naomi Neville opposed. 

Councilor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, who sponsored the resolution along with Michael Farley, Kathryn Leonard, said panhandling is “out of control” in Newport.

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“It’s gotten to a point where we need to put something in place — to allow people to feel they can walk into a store or restaurant and feel safe,” said Napolitano. 

Councilor Justin McLaughlin did not deny solicitation was an issue, but said new laws is not the solution.   

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“The problem isn't a need for a new ordinance. We need more police presence on the streets,” said Justin McLaughlin.

Napolitano said the key word in the resolution is “aggressive.”

Councilor Marco Camacho disagreed. 

“The key word is perceived,” argued Camacho.  “We haven't seen data on the resolution to take into account individual civil liberties” 

Mayor Harry Winthrop said he had not seen data to support the reported concerns.  

“If there is a real problem, show me the statistics,” said Winthrop.   

Broadway resident Margaret Kirshner said she considers homeless residents her neighbors and asked council not to support the resolution. “I am friendly with them,” said Kirshner

Police Chief Silva told Patch that despite the vote, the issue of aggressive solicitation still exists in Newport.

“It failed, but that doesn't mean the issue has dissipated in terms of business and residents,” said Silva Thursday morning. He said the next step is to review the existing ordinances with the solicitor.

Read more about the issue, including reactions from residents, here.  


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