Panhandling ordinance Public Comment from Karlene KhorAimee Brunckhorst
From: K Khor <kkhor838@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2023 4:55 AM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Panhandling ordinance
Mayor Johnson and City Council members, Doug Russell, City Manager
When the city crafted its panhandling ordinance some years ago; I spoke to the City Council and commented the
proposed ordinance was not even as strong as the panhandling ordinance in place in the city of Missoula.
There was also at the same hearing public comment on the subject of panhandling pointing out the criminal element,
trafficking, drugs, and panhandlers forcing others amongst them to turn over their money to their "boss" or face
physical abuse. In other words, some panhandlers forcing disabled or mentally challenged folks or the trafficked to
become panhandlers and turn the monies over to them (their handlers).
There was also at the same meeting testimony of near traffic accidents caused by citizens stopping to give monies to the
panhandlers.
Unfortunately, Council at that meeting did not utilize any of that public testimony and a weak and hard to enforce
ordinance passed.
I think in crafting any new ordinance the city police must let us know they have what they need to enforce the
ordinance. Do they have enough staff? Does the ordinance make their ability to enforce realistic? Can they partner with
social agencies on help for the mentally challenged etc?
It would be excellent if the council could work with the non profits on educating the public about what is in place in our
community to help the needy and of the criminal and trafficking element sometimes present in the panhandling
"community."
To consider placing a fine on the public for their gifting the panhandlers is a bridge too far; and would draw too much
focus away from what's needed: a strong ordinance and a recognition of the criminal and trafficking element of
panhandling.
I am glad to hear council will re -visit the present ordinance and my hope is the city will adjust present ordinance to
atleast the level of the one that was in place back then in Missoula.
Karlene Khor
Kalispell Montana
Sent from my iPhone